Fox News Analyst Criticized Over Remarks on Declining Teen Birth Rates

Marc Siegel's comments about teens 'not having babies' prompt backlash on social media

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:50pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of a solitary figure sitting alone in a TV studio, with warm sunlight streaming in through the windows and deep shadows obscuring much of the scene, creating a pensive, contemplative mood around the political topic.The controversial comments from a Fox News analyst about declining teen birth rates have sparked a wider debate about how such sensitive data should be discussed on national television.NYC Today

Fox News senior medical analyst Marc Siegel is facing criticism after making comments about declining fertility rates among teens aged 15-19 in the United States. During a discussion on America's Newsroom, Siegel suggested that the lower teen birth rate was a 'problem' because it meant 'we're telling people that are young not to have babies, to wait until they're in a more stable life situation 'til they're more financially secure.' The remarks sparked outrage online, with many viewers condemning the framing of teen pregnancy as a positive outcome.

Why it matters

Siegel's comments touch on sensitive topics around family planning, reproductive rights, and the appropriate age for having children. His remarks have been seen by some as normalizing or even encouraging teen pregnancy, which is a controversial and complex issue with significant social, economic, and health implications, especially for young mothers.

The details

In the viral clip, Siegel told Fox host Dana Perino that the U.S. fertility rate had reached a record low in 2025, and specifically noted that the fertility rate for those aged 15-19 had declined by 7% and 70% over the past two decades. Siegel framed this as a 'problem,' arguing that young people were being told 'not to have babies' until they were more financially and personally stable.

  • The comments were made during an April 10, 2026 appearance on Fox News' America's Newsroom program.
  • The CDC data Siegel referenced showed the U.S. fertility rate reached a record low in 2025.

The players

Marc Siegel

A senior medical analyst for Fox News based in New York who made the controversial comments about declining teen birth rates.

Dana Perino

The Fox News host who interviewed Siegel and discussed the fertility rate data with him.

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The takeaway

Siegel's comments have sparked a wider debate about how fertility data and teen pregnancy should be discussed, especially on national television. The backlash highlights the sensitivity around these issues and the need for nuanced, fact-based conversations that avoid normalizing or encouraging teen pregnancy, which can have significant negative impacts.