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Teen Birth Rates Plummet in the US, But Disparities Remain
Teen birth rates in the United States have seen a dramatic decline in recent decades, according to several recent reports. Data reveals a significant decrease across various demographics, though disparities persist, particularly among racial and ethnic groups.
A TechTarget report, citing National Vital Statistics Reports, indicates a 69% drop in teen births nationwide between 2000 and 2022. This includes a 67% decrease in first births and a more substantial 79% decline in second or higher-order births, suggesting successful efforts in preventing repeat teen pregnancies.
The Pew Research Center confirms this trend, noting that the 2018 birth rate for 15-19 year-olds was less than half of what it was a decade prior. While these declines are encouraging, the picture is not uniform across all populations.
Although birth rates have fallen for all racial and ethnic groups, significant disparities remain. As of 2018, Hispanic and Black teen birth rates were nearly double that of White teens, and more than five times the rate for Asian and Pacific Islanders, according to Pew. TechTarget's data shows the following declines from 2000 to 2022:
- Non-Hispanic White: 72% decline
- Non-Hispanic Black: 74% decline
- Hispanic: 76% decline
- Non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native: 68% decline
These figures highlight the need for targeted interventions to address the specific challenges faced by different communities. The TechTarget report also notes that the decline is more pronounced among younger teens (15-17) than older teens (18-19).
Several factors are believed to have contributed to this overall decline. These include delayed sexual activity, increased contraceptive use, particularly long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) like IUDs and implants, and potentially even the influence of media portrayals of teen motherhood, according to a Brookings report cited by Pew. While the Great Recession initially played a role, the decline has continued even with economic recovery.
Locally, Washington State provides an example of varying trends. The Franklin Connection reports Adams County saw an 18% decline in teen birth rates over the past five years, while neighboring Franklin County experienced a 14% decrease.
Experts emphasize the importance of continued efforts to sustain this progress. This includes ensuring access to reproductive health services, comprehensive sex education, and addressing underlying socioeconomic factors that contribute to disparities. The decline in teen births, particularly repeat births, suggests that existing interventions are working, but further work is needed to ensure equitable outcomes for all young people.
