The National Center for Health Statistics at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting the lowest teen birth rate in 73 years with the largest drop for Latina teens.
The new report shows birth rates for teenagers 15 to 19 fell 6 percent last year to a rate of 29.4 births per thousand. In 2007, the birth rate was 41.5 births per thousand. With few exceptions, the teen birth rate has been steadily declining since 1991.
The report shows a 39 percent drop in birth rates for Latina teens since 2007, the largest decline for any population group. The long-term difference between birth rates for non-Hispanic black and Hispanic teenagers has essentially disappeared, and by 2011 their rates were similar.
Rates for Hispanic teenagers fell 40 percent or more in 22 states and the District of Columbia; rates dropped at least 30 percent in 37 states and D.C.
The organization noted, “These encouraging trends show how young people, especially young Latinas, benefit from increased access to comprehensive sexuality education, highly effective and affordable contraception, including emergency contraception, and reproductive health care. It’s critical that we continue to connect young Latinas with reproductive health solutions rooted in their real-world needs.”
The report shows a 39 percent drop in birth rates for Latina teens since 2007, the largest decline for any population group. The long-term difference between birth rates for non-Hispanic black and Hispanic teenagers has essentially disappeared, and by 2011 their rates were similar.
Rates for Hispanic teenagers fell 40 percent or more in 22 states and the District of Columbia; rates dropped at least 30 percent in 37 states and D.C.
The organization noted, “These encouraging trends show how young people, especially young Latinas, benefit from increased access to comprehensive sexuality education, highly effective and affordable contraception, including emergency contraception, and reproductive health care. It’s critical that we continue to connect young Latinas with reproductive health solutions rooted in their real-world needs.”
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