Teen Pregnancy in the U.S.

Rates of Teenage Pregnancy Drop in Recent Years

Jan 11, 2008

Although celebrity teen pregnancy stories like Jamie Lynn Spears and movies like Juno are in the news, teen pregnancy rates really aren't relatively high in the U.S.

The way the media sometimes portrays teen pregnancy makes it seem like there are millions of pregnant young girls out there. And, in fact, the numbers are still shocking. But could it be that the efforts of sexual education classes and nonprofit organizations dedicated to reducing teen pregnancy rates are actually beginning to make a difference?

Recent Media on Teen Pregnancy

With the release of the new popular movie Juno about teen pregnancy, along with the news of teen icon Jamie Lynn Spears' pregnancy, the media has recently implied that teen pregnancy is becoming more commonplace, or at least more socially accepted.

Statistics: Teen Pregnancy

The Guttmacher Institute released a study indicating that each year nearly 750,000 teens between the ages of 15-19 become pregnant in the United States, but that the rate is at its lowest level in 30 years. Between 1990 and 2002 the rate of teens who had ever had intercourse declined by 28%, and every state in America saw declines in teen pregnancy rates. [U.S. Teenage Pregnancy Statistics, Guttmacher Institute, September 2006].

Tips for Parents

Parents of teens are obviously concerned about what they can do to help prevent the chances of their teenager becoming pregnant. The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy offers tips for parents including being clear about your own values and attitudes, talking with teens early and often about sex, knowing your children's friends, knowing what kids are watching and listening to, and helping teens understand that there are better options for their future than early parenthood.

Teen Pregnancy Resources

For more information on teen pregnancy visit Teenpregnancy.org or Plannedparenthood.org.