Teenage Birth Rates Continue Decline

Dateline 08/08/00

The birth rate for teens has reached its lowest point in the 60 years that data on teen births have been recorded, according to a report released by the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics today. The birth rate for teenagers declined 3 percent between 1998 and 1999, to reach a rate of 49.6 births per 1,000 women ages 15-19. The teen birth rate is down 20 percent from the most recent high in 1991, according the report.

Other key findings from the report include:

• a drop in the number of births to unmarried teens
• record high levels of women receiving early prenatal care
• a rise in the cesarean delivery rate among all women
• no improvement in the percent of infants born at low birthweight

The largest decline in teen birth rates during the last decade was seen among black teens with a 30% drop, while Hispanic teens reported the smallest decline of 13%. White, American Indian, Asian or Pacific Islander women aged 15-19 also saw a decine in birth rates during the 1990s. The sharpest decline between 1998 and 1999 was 6% for American Indian teenagers followed closely by a 5% drop for black teens.

"In the last few years, we've made remarkable progress in reducing the teen birth rate," said HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala. "Parents, local communities, government and teens themselves have all been part of writing this success story. Everyone benefits when teens postpone pregnancy until they are ready to assume the responsibility and appreciate the wonder of raising children," she said.

The drop in teen births was more pronounced among young teens ages 15-17, who registered a decline of 6 percent between 1998 and 1999. In addition, the number of births for the youngest teenage group, ages 10-14, dropped by 4% to the lowest level in 30 years.

Whether you are a teen or a woman of any age, early prenatal care is your best insurance for a healthy pregnancy and baby, according to CDC Director Dr. Jeffrey Koplan. "Prenatal care -- the earlier, the better -- means healthier mothers and babies.In prenatal visits, women and their health care providers can focus on the healthy habits and preventive services that are so important to mothers and infants," he said.

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