Pregnancy Rate Drops for U.S. Women Under Age 25

Posted on 15/4/08

Pregnancy rates for females under age 25, including teenagers, in the United States declined in 2004 compared to 1990, according to a report released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The report says nearly 38 percent of pregnancies in 2004 were to women under age 25, down from nearly 43 percent in 1990. The proportion of pregnancies among teens under age 20 dropped from 15 percent in 1990 to 12 percent in 2004.

In response to this report, the SC Campaign's Executive Director, Forrest Alton, has released the following statement:

“Any time there is news of a decrease in teen pregnancy brings reason to celebrate. However, the news of a few months ago indicating a rise in the teen birth rate for the first time in 15 years provides a sense of cautious optimism. There is certainly no time for us to become complacent in our investment in young people and investment in research proven teen pregnancy prevention strategies.

Teen pregnancy rates in our state have decreased 39.2% since 1990. This report is an indication that our efforts to reach young people in South Carolina have been effective, and provides a nice opportunity to thank all of those working at the local level to meet the reproductive health needs of young people. Nonetheless, each of us – policy makers, educators, providers, community members, and caring adults – must be encouraged to refocus and intensify our efforts to prevent teen pregnancy in South Carolina.”

» Download available: SC Teen Pregnancy Rates Decline_1990_2004.pdf

» Download available: CDC Press Release_Teen Pregnancy Rates Decline.pdf