The U.S. birth rate has declined for the third straight year, according to new figures by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many experts believe the downtrend is related to the economy. For years, the birthrate had increased annually, reaching an all-time high in 2007 with 4.3 million new babies born. Then came 2008 and a lengthy recession, and the rate ticked down. By 2010, the latest figures available, the birthrate was down to 4 million. (AP)