While the U.S. has made great strides in lowering teen pregnancy, we still have one of the highest teen birth rates among industrialized nations. The teenage birth rate fell for the eighth straight year, sinking to the lowest point in 60 years, according to data released by the National Center for Health Statistics . Births to teens ages 15 to 19 dropped to 49.6 per 1,000 last year, down 3 percent from 1998 and 20 percent from 1991. Among girls ages 15 to 17, the birth rate fell 6 percent in 1999 to 28.7 births per 1,000. The declines can be attributed to less sexual activity and increased contraceptive use among teens, coupled with increased pregnancy prevention efforts and a booming job market.
More plentiful jobs encourages young people to work now and delay having children.
The 1999 NCHS data also showed pregnancy declines among all teenage racial groups, including a 30 percent drop in births among black teens since 1991. Nevertheless, while the numbers appear promising, the United States still has a much higher teen birth rate than other comparable industrialized nations. Compiled from ZPG web site and wire reporteds.