9.4.1: Teen Pregnancy
While older maternal age increases the risk for certain genetic disorders, very young maternal ages carry other physical and social risk factors. Teenage pregnancies and births are at high risk for health complications and a lack of social and financial support. Babies born to teen mothers are at higher risks for low birth weight, premature delivery, and infant mortality. Teen mothers are more likely to drop out of high school, and have to rely on public assistance for financial support (Seabert et al., 2021). Fortunately, the rates of teen pregnancies and births in the U.S. have been declining. In 2020, the birth rate for teens between 15-19 years of age was 15.4 per 1,000 population, down 75% from the highest level in 1991 of 61.8 per 1,000 population (OASH: Office of Population Affairs, n.d.). According to a report from the CDC, between 2012 and 2021 there was a 53% decline in the teen birth rate, a 50% decline in the abortion rate among adolescents under age 15, and a 41% decline in the abortion rate among adolescents 15-19 years old (Kortsmit et al., 2023). Declines in teen pregnancies over the last two decades are credited to delays in sexual intercourse initiation, and increased use of contraception among teens - both of which are reflective of effective public health efforts (OASH: Office of Population Affairs, n.d., Seabert et al., 2021). A continued focus on comprehensive sexual health education, plus increasing access to contraceptives and reproductive healthcare are all important strategies to help individuals and couples prevent unintended pregnancies and delay having children until they are physically, mentally, and financially ready.