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Teen Birth Rate Cut in Half
The U.S. teen birth rate has dropped by an amazing 52 percent since 1991. According to data released last month by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the preliminary data from 2012 show a historic low rate of 29.4 births per thousand females age 15-19.
Declines were experienced in all 50 states and by all racial/ethnic groups. Hispanic teens saw a drop of 56%; non-Hispanic black teens had a drop of 63%; and non-Hispanic white teens had a decrease of 53%.
The birth rate for 10-14 year olds remained unchanged between 2011 and 2012 (at 0.4 per 1000). However, this is also a historic low rate, and it is 71% lower than in 1991.
Clearly, important progress has been made, but there is still far to go. U.S. teens still have far higher pregnancy, birth, and abortion rates than teens in other developed countries. Texas has the 5th highest teen birth rate of any state, and Texas is Number One in the percentage of "repeat" teen births (i.e., births to teens who are already mothers).
At Healthy Futures of Texas, we are thrilled know about this progress. Few public health challenges show such a dramatic turnaround. Still, we know that there is much work to do to ensure that all of our teens have the information, programs, healthcare, and support they need to make healthy choices about sex and relationships.
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Unplanned Pregnancy: Related to Income
A new fact sheet from the Guttmacher Institute lays out the stark truth about unplanned (unintended) pregnancy in our country: unplanned pregnancy is very common, and it is increasingly concentrated among poor and low-income women.
About half (49%) of the 6.7 million pregnancies in the U.S. each year are unplanned. This means about 1 in 20 U.S. women of childbearing age (15-44) experience an unplanned pregnancy each year. This is a far higher rate than other comparable countries.
Unfortunately, the rates of unplanned pregnancy among low-income women have increased substantially since 1994, while at the same time the rates have declined among more affluent women. This amounts to a health disparity that disproportionately affects Hispanic and African American women.
Unplanned pregnancy refers to how a woman herself describes her situation at the time she became pregnant. Unplanned pregnancies include those that are mistimed (too soon), as well as those that are completely unwanted. Of course, many unplanned pregnancies result in children who are wanted and cared for and healthy. However, that is not always the case.
Reducing unplanned pregnancy is a public health goal because unplanned pregnancies have higher health risks than do planned pregnancies, for both mother and child. In addition, unplanned pregnancy is, by far, the most common reason for seeking an abortion. In fact, effective prevention of unplanned pregnancies can dramatically reduce abortions.
Healthy Futures of Texas is working to reduce unplanned pregnancy among adults, as well as among teens. We lead the Healthy Futures Alliance (HFA), a community coalition of individuals and organizations working together to raise community awareness and advocate for effective prevention. Some HFA members identify as "pro-life" and others as "pro-choice", but all work together to increase access to healthcare and effective programs. HFA seeks to engage men as well as women to help achieve a community with prepared parents, planned pregnancies, and healthy families.
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We've Moved! (but not Far)
Healthy Futures of Texas is happy to announce our new location:
Healthy Futures of Texas
2300 W. Commerce St., #204
San Antonio, TX 78207
If this sounds familiar, it is because we are changing only our suite number. On October 1, Healthy Futures moved to the larger adjacent suite (now #204). We are still located at the beautiful Mexican American Unity Council (MAUC) building. Our phone number will remain the same: 210-223-4589.
In upcoming newsletters, we will introduce you to our wonderful new staff members and the exciting work they are and will be doing.
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 Still Room for YOU! (Be there at 11)
Please join us for Lunch with the Mayor on Tuesday, October 15, 11 am to 1 pm at El Tropicano Hotel.
We would love to have you with us to celebrate Harvey Najim as our 2013 Estrella awardee and Councilwoman Ivy Taylor, who will be awarded the Richard C. Alvarado Community Service Award.
Table sponsorships and individual tickets are still available! Please help us reach our goal of raising $100,000 to support the important work of Healthy Futures of Texas ! We are almost there....only $5,000 more to go!
To our guests, please plan to arrive by 11 am. That will ensure that you are seated and ready to hear the Mayor's Welcome at 11:30. We are looking forward to seeing you there-- |
Healthy Futures of Texas is committed to reducing teen and unplanned pregnancy in San Antonio
and Texas by providing and promoting science-based and culturally appropriate approaches.
We are working toward a community where every young person is able to reach their potential, and
every child is wanted, loved, and cared for.
2300 W. Commerce, Ste. 203
San Antonio, Texas, 78207
210.223.4589
info@healthyfuturestx.org
www.HealthyFuturesTX.org
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