The teen pregnancy rate is Benchmark No. 43. It measures pregnancies per 1,000 females ages 10-17. Teen pregnancies result in poorer health for both the mother and the child. The prenatal care Benchmark is No. 44. It measures the percentage of births to mothers who received early prenatal care.
Prenatal care is important to the health of the baby.
Teen use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs is Benchmark No. 53. It measures the percentage of 8 th grade students who used alcohol, illicit drugs, or cigarettes. This use increases the risk of drug dependence, crime, and health problems. The child abuse rate is Benchmark No. 54. Child abuse and neglect are linked to many social problems in later life.