Washington, D.C. – A recently released report by the Population Reference Bureau, titled “Losing More Ground: Revisiting Young Women’s Well-Being Across Generations,” unveils concerning trends indicating a decline in well-being for young women, primarily aged 25 to 34 during 2019-2021. Despite significant strides in education and income, the report suggests that the overall health and safety of Millennial and Gen Z women in the United States have suffered setbacks, influenced by a range of challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, political divisiveness, and the Dobbs decision overturning reproductive health protections.
The report delves into the multifaceted impact on young women, highlighting how their lives have been disrupted by recent events, affecting physical health and safety. The data not only provide insights into the well-being of Millennial women but also offer a glimpse into the experiences of Gen Z teenage girls born in 2000 or later.
Key findings from the report indicate that, despite advancements between the 1960s and 1990s, each successive generation of women in the United States is no longer outperforming its predecessors. Particularly for Millennial women, the study points to worsening physical health and safety, evident in rising suicide, homicide, and maternal mortality rates.
Diana Elliott, Vice President for U.S. Programs at the Population Reference Bureau, notes, “Young women today are achieving educational and professional milestones, reflecting their generation’s pursuit of the American Dream. However, systemic barriers are hindering many from realizing their full potential, with increased rates of suicide, homicide, and limited access to critical health services.”
Key Findings:
Suicide Rates: Among women aged 25 to 34, suicide rates have increased from 4.4 deaths per 100,000 for Generation X to 7 deaths per 100,000 for Millennial women. Rates have declined among young white women but increased for young women of color, with a threefold increase in suicide rates for American Indian and Alaska Native young women compared to their white peers.
Maternal Mortality: Millennial women aged 25 to 34 have experienced a surge in maternal mortality rates, rising from 19.2 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2013-2015 to 30.4 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2019-2021.
Homicide Rates: The homicide rate for Millennial women aged 25 to 34 has risen to 4.5 deaths per 100,000 women, reversing a trend of generational improvement. This increase is particularly stark for Millennial Black women, witnessing a nearly 60% rise.
These concerning health and safety trends persist despite positive indicators of economic well-being, such as increased educational attainment, declining incarceration rates, and improved earnings equality compared to their Generation X counterparts.
The Population Reference Bureau’s report urges attention to these critical issues, emphasizing the need for comprehensive measures to address the declining well-being of Millennial and Gen Z women in the United States.
