Hagerstown, MD (September 1, 2010) - Births to Washington County teenagers (ages 15-19 years) have dropped by 28%, from 238 to 171, since 2007. This represents the first time in over a decade that teen births have dropped in at least two consecutive years. Of particular note is that declines were seen in all racial/ethnic groups, and across both younger (15-17) and older (18-19) age groups.
"Although this decline represents significant improvement, there is still much work to be done to ensure that this trend continues in a downhill direction," said Earl Stoner, MPH, Washington County health officer. "While we are encouraged, we must remember that our teen pregnancy rates still remain high."
National studies indicated that declines in teen births, typically, are the result of teens having less sexual activity and using more effective birth control measures.
"While it's difficult to pinpoint specifically what is promoting the decline, I would speculate that increased education and programming, as well as greater availability of clinical services, are driving it. Additionally, with the county's population growing more diverse, we may also be experiencing a shift in the cultural view related to this issue," said Stoner. "Since 2005, the community has come together from all angles to combat this issue and I think we are beginning to see the fruits of this labor."
The Teens Have Choices Coalition educates the community and promotes responsible sexual behavior among adolescents. Reducing births to teens is critically important because teen mothers are at greater risk of becoming high school drop-outs, living in poverty, being unemployed, and using drugs and alcohol. Babies born to teen mothers often have significant health issues, and are at risk for repeating the cycle of teen parenthood. Teen pregnancy carries significant personal, community, and societal costs.
Contacts:
Shalom Black Lane,
Executive Director
Teens Have Choices
301-671-3000
info@TeensHaveChoices.org
Rod MacRae, Director, Public Information
Washington County Health Department
240-313-3250
macraer@dhmh.state.md.us
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