U.S. Teen Pregnancy Rate Reaches Historic Low

A recent study, completed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics, shows that there has been a significant drop in teen pregnancy- 40% from 1990 to 2008, indicating the lowest teen pregnancy rate since 1976. The study even claims that there is evidence pointing to an additional 15% drop from 2008 to 2010.

It seems clear that much of this success can be attributed towards an increase in sexual education. Leslie Kantor, Vice President of Education for Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA), said that "Sex education and access to birth control have made a significant difference in pregnancy rates among teens and young adults... but the teen pregnancy rate in this country is still far higher than it should be and we need to be particularly concerned about continued disparities in the progress that has been made."

Despite this observable progress, there is still much work to be done. The study also indicates a massive discrepancy between African-American/Latino teens and white teens, with the former groups having pregnancy rates 2 to 3 times larger than the latter.

Kantor goes on to explain, "We know how to reduce the teen pregnancy rate in this country: years of research shows that high-quality sex education, encouraging parents to talk with their children about sex, and ensuring access to health care services makes a measurable difference. So when we see disparities like this, it means we still have work to do to ensure that all young people have access to the education and services they need to prevent unintended pregnancy.”

For nearly a century, Planned Parenthood has been providing women, men, teens, and families with healthcare information concerning prevention of unintended pregnancy, prevention of STDs, and family planning. Last year alone, Planned Parenthood provided educational services to over 1.1 million people and birth control to more than 2 million women.

To learn more about our educational services, access key information, or get involved in educating your community, please visit PPIL's education and training page. Planned Parenthood believes information and knowledge on reproductive health should be convenient and accessible for everyone, so feel free to contact our education department with any questions you may have.

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Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Sex Education, Teen Pregnancy