U.S. teen birth rate drops - Third year in a row

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.suntimes.com/news/nation/11815241-418/us-teen-birth-rate-drops.html

ASSOCIATED PRESS April 10, 2012 8:50AM

NEW YORK — Teen births fell again in the United States in 2010 with the highest rate once more in Mississippi, according to a new government report. snip

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention previously reported that U.S. births by mothers of all ages had dropped in 2010 for the third straight year. Experts think the economy is a factor.

The rate for teenage moms reached its lowest point since record-keeping began in 1940. The rate fell 9 percent to about 34 per 1,000 girls ages 15 through 19. The decline was seen among all racial and ethnic groups.

The CDC report released Tuesday focused on state figures. The authors say the teen declines have been attributed to pregnancy prevention efforts. They note that a recent government survey showed more use of contraception by teens.

[aka-chmeee]

1. Robin on HLN this morning attributed it to more teens wishing to save themselves for marriage. nt