Teen Birthrates Decline After Two-Year Increase
Washington, DC (April 6, 2010) - Reversing slight increases in teen birth rates from 2006 and 2007, the CDC released 2008 figures today that illustrate a continuing downward trend. Teen birth rates hit a high of 62/1000 in 1991. The rates dropped to 41.5/1000 in 2008. The decline was most notable (4%) among teens aged 18-19. Valerie Huber, Executive Director of NAEA noted: “So that the positive trend begun a decade ago can continue, we should redouble our efforts to help teens avoid all the consequences of sexual activity, including teen childbearing. “The President eliminated all funding for abstinence-centered education in his FY 2011 budget request to Congress, but Huber adds: “Today’s announcement provides Congress an opportunity to make a course correction by again placing a priority on the risk avoidance abstinence-centered message.”
NAEA appeals to all groups who genuinely seek the best health outcomes for youth to join in encouraging the avoidance of all sexual risk. “Today’s news shows that teens are able to make good decisions, even in the midst of a sex saturated culture. We must assure that they continue to receive tools for achieving the best sexual health outcomes – in order to escape all the risks of sexual activity,” concluded Huber.
Access the full report by the CDC at www.cdc.gov/nchs.
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About NAEA: The National Abstinence Education Association (NAEA) is comprised of leading abstinence educators and supporters who represent 2 million children across the U.S.
For more information: http://www.abstinenceassociation.org or www.AbstinenceWorks.org
To schedule an interview with NAEA Executive Director Valerie Huber, please contact Lara Bailey at 214-460-4331.