In the last decade, the teen birth rate in South Carolina has decreased by 28%. Furthermore, for the fourth consecutive year, teen birth rates in South Carolina have declined, once again reaching an all-time low. At 39.1 per 1,000, South Carolina's teen birth rate declined 8% from 2010-2011. While these gains have been encouraging, South Carolina has consistently had a higher teen birth rate than the nation as a whole and the state ranks 11th highest in the nation.
The financial implications of teen pregnancy are staggering, but the societal consequences are dire. Teen mothers, fathers, and their children face social and economic disadvantages throughout their lives. Use this section of the website to learn more about teen pregnancy and how this one issue is linked to a host of other social issues.
Impact on Teen Mothers
- Have higher rates of low birth weight babies and infant mortality than mothers in their 20s.
- Are less likely to finish high school...only 38% ever will.
- Are more likely to live in poverty and rely on public assistance.
Impact on Children of Teen Mothers
- Are less prepared to enter the school system and score lower on measures of school readiness.
- Are 50% more likely to repeat a grade, less likely to complete high school, and have lower performance on standardized tests.
Impact on SC Taxpayers
- SC taxpayers spent at least $197 million on costs associated with teen childbearing in 2008.
Investing in Prevention
Teen pregnancy prevention programs are one of the best investments we can make in South Carolina’s future. According to a 2010 report by the University of Iowa’s Public Policy Center, each tax dollar spent on programs to prevent unintended pregnancy saved taxpayers an average of $3.78 in the first year—nearly a 400% return on investment. Viewed in this light, efforts to prevent teen pregnancy are a bargain. By taking a long-term view and investing in prevention, we can save money and ensure that all young people in South Carolina have an opportunity to thrive.