A new study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Center for Health Statistics finds that fewer babies were born to teenagers (ages 15-19) in 2010 than in any year since 1946.

The United States’ teen birth rate dropped 17 percent from 2007 through 2010, to a record low, and it has dropped 44 percent since 1991. Rates fell across all teen age groups, racial and ethnic groups, and in nearly all states, including California.

California’s teen birth rate decreased significantly between 2007 and 2010.  In 2007, California had 53,417 teen births, compared with 43,116 teen births in 2010.  Mississippi had the highest rate of teen births in 2010, with 55.0 births per 1,000 teenagers while California’s rate was 31.5 births per 1,000 teenagers.

Experts attribute the decrease in teen births to a number of factors including:

• the increased use of contraception at first initiation of sex;
• use of dual methods of contraception (such as condoms as well as hormonal methods) among sexually active teens; and
• the fact that more teens are delaying sex.

Black and Hispanic teens are still having children at the greatest rate but the gap is closing.  Nationally, the number of black teens having children declined from 1-in-16 in 2007 to 1-in-20 in 2010, while the Hispanic birth rate declined from 1-in-13 to 1-in-18 over the same period.  Just 1-in-100 Asian teens and 1-in-43 white teens gave birth in 2010.

The study’s authors note, “In spite of these declines, the U.S. teen birth rate remains one of the highest among other industrialized countries.  Moreover, childbearing by teenagers continues to be a matter of public concern because of the elevated health risks for teen mothers and their infants. In addition, significant public costs are associated with teen childbearing, estimated at $10.9 billion annually.”

Check out the full study, “Birth Rates for U.S. Teenagers Reach Historic Lows for All Age and Ethnic Groups,” online.

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A study from the Guttmacher Institute released this week finds that rates of teen pregnancy have declined dramatically – reaching their lowest levels in nearly 40 years.  But even with the dramatic reductions in pregnancy, birth and abortion rates among all racial and ethnic groups, disparities between black, white and Hispanic teens persist.

Though the teen pregnancy rate dropped by 37% among Hispanics, 48% among blacks and 50% among whites after peaking in the 1990s, the rates among black and Hispanic teens remain two to three times as high as those of white teens.   

There were also considerable disparities in birth and abortion rates:

• Birthrates among black and Hispanic teens were twice the rates among whites.
• The abortion rate for Hispanic teens was twice the rate of whites.
• The abortion rate for black teens was four times that of whites.

The study’s lead author, Kathryn Kost, said, “The continued inequities among racial and ethnic minorities are cause for concern. It is time to redouble our efforts to ensure that all teens have access to the information and contraceptive services they need to prevent unwanted pregnancies.”

Overall, in 2008, about seven percent of U.S. teens became pregnant.  Study authors say a state-level report will follow when data are available.

“U.S. Teenage Pregnancies, Births and Abortions, 2008: National Trends by Age, Race and Ethnicity,” contains the most current national estimates of teenage pregnancy, birth and abortion rates and numbers.  It is available online.

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Yesterday’s Los Angeles Times reported on new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data that finds even though rates of teen pregnancy are falling, the United States still has a higher rate of teen pregnancy than any other developed country.

The new study highlights that the problem stems from lack of access to contraception and education about how to use contraceptives effectively. 

Some highlights from the new study include:

• Half of teen moms reported not using any method of contraception before getting pregnant.
• Many teens had misconceptions about reproductive health – nearly 1 in 3 thought they could not get pregnant at the time, and 1 in 12 thought they, their husbands, or their partners were sterile.
• Nearly 1 in 5 reported that their partner did not want to use contraception.
• An alarmingly high number of teen moms reported having trouble getting birth control.
• Hispanic teens were more likely than white or black teens to report that they did not use contraception because they thought they could not get pregnant at the time.

The California Pregnant and Parenting Youth Guide answers questions such as: How can I prevent pregnancy; Where can I access emergency contraception;  How can I get birth control services; and much more.  If you are a teen looking for answers, check out the sex and pregnancy section of the Guide today!

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