Planned Parenthood: Drop in Birth Rates Among Teens and Young Adults is “Astonishing”

(New York)—New numbers out today from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that the U.S. birth rate for both teens and young adults has reached an historic low-point:

• The 2013 numbers represent the lowest number of teen births ever reported in the United States.
• The birth rate for teens aged 15-19 declined 10% to 26.6 births per 1,000 women, a historic low for the nation.
• Birth rates declined to record lows for both younger and older teenagers.
• Birth rates for women in their early twenties also hit a record low,of 81.2 births per 1,000 women — down from last year’s record low of 83.1.

Statement from Leslie Kantor, Vice President of Education at Planned Parenthood Federation of America:

A 10% drop in teen birth rates in one year is frankly astonishing. Seeing this decline really makes clear that we can continue to make progress on teen pregnancy rates and teen birth rates in this country.

Sex education works. Ensuring that young people have access to birth control works.  When young people have accurate information and resources, they make healthy decisions.

Planned Parenthood is proud to provide sex education and access to services that help teens and young adults prevent unintended pregnancies, and we’re gratified that these efforts have contributed to this historic low in teen birth rates.

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 700 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.