Increases in labor induction in the United States: 2016 to 2024

Introduction: -This report examines trends in labor inductions in the United States from 2016 to 2024 overall and by maternal age, race and Hispanic origin, gestational age of the newborn and state of residence of the mother. Methods: -Data are from the National Vital Statistics System birth files which include information on all births registered in the United States. Trends in labor induction rates (the number of births with labor induced per 100 total births) overall and by maternal age, race and Hispanic origin, gestational age and state are presented. Key Findings: -The labor induction rate for the United States increased 39% from 2016 to 2024, to 34.5% of all births. Induction rates increased across all maternal age and race and Hispanic origin groups, gestational age categories, and in 49 states and the District of Columbia from 2016 to 2024.