Declines in teenage birth rates, 1991-98: update of national and state trends

Abstract

Objectives: This report presents national birth rates for teenagers for 1991-98; the percent change, 1991-98; State-specific teenage birth rates for 1991 and 1997; and the percent change, 1991-97.

Methods: Tabular and graphical descriptions of the trends in teenage birth rates by age group, race, and Hispanic origin of the mother are discussed.

Results: Birth rates for teenagers 15-19 years declined nationally between 1991 and 1998 for all age, race, and Hispanic origin populations, with the steepest declines recorded for black women. State-specific rates by age fell in all States, with most declines statistically significant; overall declines ranged from 9 to 32 percent.