US Teen Births Decline

NEW YORK (AP) — A new government report tracks a continuing decline in teen births in the United States in 2010.

Nearly every state saw a decline in teen births from 2007 to 2010, with the biggest drop in Arizona at 29 percent. Rates stayed about the same in Montana, North Dakota and West Virginia.

The highest rate was in Mississippi, with 55 teen births per 1,000 girls, though the rate there is also declining. New Hampshire had the lowest rate at 16 per 1,000.

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 authors of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report released today say the declines have been attributed to pregnancy prevention efforts.

Since 1991, the overall teen rate has dropped by 44 percent.