White deaths outnumber births in one-third of US

According to a recent study, more white deaths than births were reported in 17 U.S. states between 2013 and 2014-more than in any time in the country's history--compared to only four in 2004.

Researchers believe that the decrease in white population in these states can be attributed to the rising number of aging adults, a decrease in their fertility rates and the falling number of white women of childbearing age.

"When births fail to keep pace with deaths, a region is said to have a natural decrease in population," said Rogelio Saenz from the University of Texas in the US.

"These demographic trends have major policy implications from increasing demands on healthcare and retirement systems for aging populations to considerable necessary investments in education and training for younger ones."

In 12 of the 17 states, the white population diminished overall between 2013 and 2014.

Despite the large number of states with white natural decline, only two states had more deaths than births in their combined population.

For the other 15 states, the white natural decrease has been offset by natural increases in minority populations.

The report suggests that competing demands between these populations could create considerable potential for disagreements regarding funding priorities.