Schmid, R.E. (2001, April 18). Teen-age, multiple births declined in 1999. The Daily Oklahoman, p. 12A.

OVERVIEW

Finally, it seems that the message is getting across to teenagers: wait a few years before becoming parents. The National Center for Health Statistics recently reported that the birth rate for mothers ages 15 to 19 dropped 3 percent in 1999—to 49.6 births per 1,000 women. This most recent recorded rate (the records have been tracked since 1940) broke the previous low of 50.2 births per 1,000, which was set in 1986. Demographer Stephanie Ventura explains:

‘Teen sexual activity has leveled off compared to the increases we saw in the previous couple of decades…Also, teens who are sexually active are more likely to be using contraception. Every state has a teen pregnancy prevention program…The message has been transmitted.’

It is interesting to note that the birth rate is declining during a time when the economy is strong. This could be enticing teens to further their education and be employed instead of tempting them to bear children.

Some additional findings pertinent to teen pregnancy in the United States:

• The median age for first-time mothers increased to 24.5 years, continuing a slow but steady rise since 1972.
• The birth rate for unmarried women increased slightly to 44.4 births per 1,000 unmarried women age 15-44. One out of every three births in the U.S. was to an unmarried women.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

1. How have you helped turn the tide with the young people you interact with? What programs, discussions, or counseling have you offered?
2. What is the most effective way to get the message out?
3. Is there a stigma about teen pregnancy among the group with whom you interact?
4. How do you also support teen parents? How do you encourage other young people to support teen parents?

IMPLICATIONS

1. This is fantastic news. The trend must not fade. It is important for youth workers to continue getting the message out. Teens are too young to be mothers and fathers.
2. Keep talking about teen pregnancy issues. As appropriate, discuss contraception. Also, always encourage adoption for those who do become pregnant. An adoption plan is usually the best option for a young, unmarried woman.
3. Love and support those young teens who do become pregnant and who do choose to keep the baby. They need it.

Kathryn Q. Powers cCYS