Teen Birth Rate Declines 10% in 2013

WASHINGTON, May 29, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Teen birth rates declined 10% in 2013 and have declined fully 57% since peaking in 1991, according to new data released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics.  Both the rate and number of teen births in the United States are now at historic lows.

"The progress the nation has made in reducing teen births has gone from extraordinary to almost unbelievable," said Sarah Brown, CEO of The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy.  "One of the nation's premiere success stories of the past two decades—the historic declines in teen pregnancy and childbearing, the significant drops in all 50 states, and the impressive progress among all racial/ethnic groups—has been highly unusual.  In particular, the pace of progress has been accelerating in recent years.  Our group and many others believe the nation has reached a tipping point."  

Other findings from the new federal data include:

• The teen birth rate declined 10% in 2012-2013, 36% since 2007, and 57% since 1991.
• Birth rates have declined dramatically for younger (age 15-17) and older (age 18-19) teens.  In 2013, the rate for younger teens declined 13%; for older teens the decline was 8%.  Since 1991, the rates have declined 68% and 50% respectively.
• In 2013 there were 26.6 births per 1,000 teens age 15-19 compared to 29.4 in 2012 and 61.8 in 1991.

About The National Campaign: The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy is a private, non-profit organization that seeks to improve the lives and future prospects of children and families.  Our specific strategy is to prevent teen pregnancy and unplanned pregnancy among single, young adults.  Please visit www.TheNationalCampaign.org for more information.

SOURCE The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy