National and state patterns of teen births in the United States, 1940-2013

Abstract

Objectives: This report presents trends from 1940 through 2013 in national birth rates for teenagers, with particular focus on the period since 1991. The percent changes in rates for 1991-2012 and for 2007-2012 are presented for the United States and for states. Preliminary data for 2013 are shown where available.

Methods: Tabular and graphical descriptions of the trends in teen birth rates for the United States and each state, by age group, race, and Hispanic origin, are presented and discussed. Data are shown for the U.S. territories.

Results: Birth rates for U.S. teenagers have generally fallen in the United States since peaking in 1957. The rate fell 57% between 1991 and 2013. The 2013 preliminary rate (26.6 per 1,000 aged 15-19) is less than one-third of the historically highest rate (96.3 in 1957). During 1991-2012, rates fell for all race and Hispanic ethnicity groups, with the largest declines measured for non-Hispanic black teenagers. In the more recent period, 2007-2012, the declines have been steepest for Hispanic teenagers. Birth rates declined significantly for teenagers in all states during 1991-2012; during 2007-2012, rates fell for all but two states. The drop in teen birth rates translates into an estimated 4 million fewer births to teenagers from 1992 through 2012. The declines in teen birth rates reflect a number of behavioral changes, including decreased sexual activity, increases in the use of contraception at first sex and at most recent sex, and the adoption and increased use of hormonal contraception, injectables, and intrauterine devices.