Teenage pregnancies, 1974 to 1994

Abstract

Objectives: This article provides an overview of trends from 1974 to 1994 in pregnancies among women aged 15 to 19.

Data sources: Vital statistics, abortion data, and hospital morbidity files maintained by Statistics Canada were used to develop estimated of pregnancies, live births, abortions, and stillbirths/miscarriages.

Analytical techniques: Rates of pregnancy, live birth, abortion and stillbirth/miscarriage are based on the female population aged 15 to 19.

Main results: In 1994, there were an estimated 46,800 teenage pregnancies. This marked the continuation of an almost steady rise from 1987, when the number was 39,300. As well, there has been an increase in the percentage of teenage pregnancies ending in an abortion.