California’s teen birth rate has continued to decline to 28.0 births per every 1,000 teens ages 15-19, announced Dr. Ron Chapman, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the state public health officer today. The rate is the lowest since 1991, when it peaked at 70.9 per one thousand.
"California’s innovative strategies and community partnerships aimed at lowering teen pregnancy are helping young women and men make responsible choices,” said Dr. Chapman. “We must not be complacent; we must continue to promote teen pregnancy prevention programs and strategies in all communities."
The decrease in teen birth rates was reflected among all ethnic groups. Hispanic teens 15-19 years old continued to have the highest birth rate at 42.7 per 1,000, but they demonstrated a decline of 42 percent, down from 73.6 per 1,000 in 2001. From 2001 to 2011, the number of births per 1,000 teens dropped among African American teens from 51.8 to 34.1, among white teens from 20.1 to 11.2, and among Asian teens from 13.9 to 5.3.
Early childbearing often negatively impacts academic achievement, earning potential for mother and father, maternal and infant outcomes, and early childhood development. The prevention of early childbearing is an essential step in improving the health of California’s youth and the well-being of the next generation of California families and communities.
California has a number of programs and policies aimed at preventing teen pregnancy and improving outcomes in the case of teen pregnancies. Some of the key components to the state’s multi-pronged approach include:
State laws requiring that school-based and other state-funded sexuality education must be comprehensive, medically accurate, and age- and culturally-appropriate.
Community-based education programs for teens and their parents that provide sexual health information, skill development, and supportive environments and opportunities for youth.
Services and supports for expectant and parenting teens to empower young families to be successful and thrive.
