Here’s a startling fact: For the first time in Monroe County, New York, more people died in a year than were born. This isn’t just a number—it’s a sign of a larger shift that’s raising eyebrows across the state. News10NBC’s Chief Investigative Reporter Berkeley Brean brought this story to life from Highland Hospital, where he met newborn Tatum Barbaccia and her overjoyed parents, Carina and Matt. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Tatum’s arrival comes at a time when Monroe County has seen deaths outnumber births for three straight years—a trend known as a natural decrease that’s spreading across neighboring counties like Wayne, Livingston, and Ontario.
Carina and Matt Barbaccia couldn’t hide their excitement about their growing family. ‘We’re thrilled for Tatum to meet her big sister,’ Carina shared. For them, parenthood is nothing short of a privilege. ‘Being a father and watching her embrace motherhood every day is an incredible experience,’ Matt reflected. ‘I can’t imagine life any other way.’ But here’s the part most people miss: When asked about preparedness, Carina admitted, ‘I don’t think you’re ever truly ready for kids. You just roll with the punches, but I can’t picture our life without them.’
And this is where it gets controversial: While the Barbaccias embody the joy of parenthood, the data tells a different story. In 2020, 2021, and 2022, Monroe County’s deaths surpassed births—a trend that’s not unique to this area. Even New York State, though still in the positive, has seen the gap between births and deaths shrink dramatically, from 94,000 two decades ago to just 32,000 in 2022. Erika Rosenberg, CEO of the Center for Governmental Research, warns that this stagnation could have serious implications. ‘There’s no quick fix,’ she notes, ‘but policies supporting families could make a difference.’
So, what’s driving this shift? Rosenberg points to long-term trends like the aging Baby Boomer population. But here’s the question: Are we doing enough to encourage family growth, or is this the new normal? The 2023 numbers, expected in the next three months, will shed more light. But we want to hear from you: Do you think declining birth rates are a cause for concern, or just a reflection of changing priorities? Let us know in the comments!
For more insights, check out the NYS Department of Health’s Vital Statistics here and explore related stories on NYSDOH here and Monroe County here.
