The most recent data on teen birth rates has shown an increase in 26 states across the nation. The highest increase was found in Mississippi with New Mexico and Texas not far behind.
The national birth rate rose 3 percent between 2005 and 2006, marking an end to a 34 percent decline between 1991 and 2005, according to the National Center for Health Statistics report.
Pinning any one reason down for the significant increase is an impossible feat. Many blame the abstinence-only education given in public schools and its lack of teaching teenagers about contraceptives. Others, on the other hand, cite Hollywood as to blame, for glamorizing unwed pregnant mothers such as Jamie Lynn Spears, and the positive portrayal of teen pregnancy the hit movie Juno.
The data on the abortion rates will not be available until late 2009 or possibly early 2010, which could help see the whole picture concerning the increase in teenage pregnancy.
The biggest increase in teen pregnancy was among black teens, which rose 5 percent. American-Indian teen birth rates rose 4 percent, in white teens it rose 3 percent and rose 2 percent for Hispanic teens. Birth rates among Asian teenagers have continued to decrease.
Babies born to unwed mothers have also risen. Unmarried mothers now account for 38.5 percent of all births, according to the disease control centers. This rise is at an all time high with reasons being attributed to the same as teenage pregnancies. Also, the fertility is at its highest since 1971, the first year since that has rose past the replacement rate.
The morning after pill, “Plan B,” was legalized to be available over the counter for those over 18 in late 2006, after it could have put a dent in the teenage pregnancy rise.
However, it was not legal without a prescription for those under 18, for the teens that may have needed it the most. Maybe in upcoming years the morning after pill will be available over the counter for those younger than 18, if the birth rates among teenage mothers continue to increase.
To our readers, what do you think about this increase in teenage birth rates? Is it really that surprising? Put in your two cents by leaving a comment below.
, Roland from Cuba.
