The
Guttmacher Institute released a study this month that shows teen pregnancy
rates, abortion rates and birth rates have all decreased to a historic low in
our nation.
“While there was a substantial drop in the
pregnancy rate for
15–17-year-olds and 18–19-year-olds between 2008 and 2010,
pregnancies among 18–19-year-olds constituted the majority (69%)
of teen pregnancies. During this same time period, increasing
proportions of 18–19-year-olds reported having ever had sex,
yet fewer of them became pregnant. The likely reason is
improved contraceptive use and use of more effective methods.”
15–17-year-olds and 18–19-year-olds between 2008 and 2010,
pregnancies among 18–19-year-olds constituted the majority (69%)
of teen pregnancies. During this same time period, increasing
proportions of 18–19-year-olds reported having ever had sex,
yet fewer of them became pregnant. The likely reason is
improved contraceptive use and use of more effective methods.”
This trend is cause for celebration! Not only do teens do better when
they postpone having children, but children themselves have better outcomes
when mothers wait until they are financially and emotionally prepared to raise
them.
Tiffany
Haddish
Teen Pregnancy Prevention Campaign
Oklahoma City Metro Area
Teen Pregnancy Prevention Campaign
Oklahoma City Metro Area
Despite the decreasing trends, Oklahoma remains in the top 5 highest ranked states for teen pregnancy. We need to keep talking to teens about safer sex, keep expanding access to contraception, and keep improving sex education.
