Did you know that while teen birth rates in the U.S. have significantly declined, some states still face alarmingly high numbers?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most American states see less than 16.64 teen births per 1,000 females. However, several states have teen birth rates that are much higher than the national average.
This blog post explores the states with the highest teen birth rates, the multifaceted factors contributing to these rates, and the potential consequences for both teen parents and their children.
1. Arkansas
With 26.5 teen births per 1,000 females, Arkansas has the highest teen birth rate in the U.S., almost double the national average.
The Natural State doesn’t require sex education for students, nor does it provide easy access to contraceptives for teens, contributing to the high rate. Addressing these factors could significantly improve outcomes for young people in Arkansas.
2. Mississippi
Mississippi’s teen birth rate dropped significantly over the last two decades and is down 75% from 1991.
However, the Magnolia State still lags behind most of the country, with a teenage birth rate of 25.6 per 1,000 females. Despite the progress, continued efforts are needed to further reduce this rate and support teen parents.
3. Louisiana
The teen birth rate in Louisiana is 24.5 per 1,000 females. Louisiana schools are not required to teach sex education classes, and many choose not to, which impacts the rate of teen pregnancies.
Implementing mandatory sex education could help teens make more informed decisions about their reproductive health.
4. Oklahoma
Oklahoma has a teen birth rate of 24.1 births for every 1,000 females. Though Oklahoma saw a 12% drop from 2019 to 2021 alone, the rate in the Sooner State is still far above average.
Continued focus on accessible resources and education is essential to further decrease teen birth rates in Oklahoma.
5. Alabama
There’s been a massive decline in teen births in Alabama over the past decade. In 2005, the teen birth rate was close to 50 for every 1,000 females; today, it’s 22.9.
This significant improvement shows the impact of targeted interventions and increased access to reproductive health services in the state.
6. Kentucky
Kentucky has 22.3 teen births for every 1,000 females. This is a big improvement compared to 2008 when Kentucky had a teen birth rate of 55.8.
The state’s progress highlights the effectiveness of sustained efforts to provide education and resources to young people.
7. Tennessee
There are 21.5 teen births per 1,000 females in Tennessee. One in five children lives in poverty in the Volunteer State, and poverty is often linked to higher rates of teenage pregnancy.
Addressing socioeconomic factors is crucial for reducing teen birth rates in Tennessee.
8. West Virginia
West Virginia has 20.9 teen births per 1,000 females. The majority of teen births happen in rural areas where there are high rates of generational poverty and social problems, including drug abuse and child neglect.
Comprehensive support systems are needed to address these complex issues and improve outcomes for teens.
9. Texas
For the first time in 15 years, Texas saw a rise in teen births, with disproportionately high rates among Hispanic teens.
The teen birth rate in Texas is 20.3 for every 1,000 females. The increase occurred directly after legislators implemented a six-week abortion ban, raising concerns about reproductive rights.
10. New Mexico
There are 19 teen births for every 1,000 females in New Mexico. The rate of teen pregnancy and births is much higher in certain counties, with Luna, New Mexico, experiencing an average of 65 teen births for every 1,000 girls. Targeted interventions in these high-risk areas are essential for reducing teen birth rates.
11. South Carolina
South Carolina has 18.3 teen births for every 1,000 females. This is a slight decrease from 2015 when the teen birth rate was 22, but still well above average.
Continued efforts to improve access to reproductive health services are necessary to further reduce teen birth rates.
12. Alaska
From 2008 to 2014, Alaska saw a 35% decrease in teen births. While the number continues to decline, Alaska’s teen birth rate is still high at 17.5 per 1,000 girls. Sustaining these gains requires ongoing support for education and healthcare access in the state.
13. Missouri
Most teen births in Missouri (75%) are among 18 and 19-year-olds. The teen birth rate in the Show-Me State is 17.1 for every 1,000 females.
Focusing on older teens and providing targeted resources can help further decrease the state’s teen birth rate.
Alicia Richards