Teen birth rates have dropped significantly, most notably among Hispanic teens, according to a new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Among adolescents aged 15 to 19 years, the birth rate rate fell by close to one half from 1991 to 2011 – from approximately 62 births for every 1,000 teens to 31 births per 1,000.

During the most recent period examined, 2007 to 2011, rates dropped 25%, from 41.5 to around 31.

Rates decreased during that time by 30% in seven states, and Utah and Arizona each had a 35% reduction.

All states but West Virginia and North Dakota saw reductions of 15%. The researchers documented live births, not pregnancies.

A similar report also conducted by the CDC in 2011 reported that overall, teen birth rates dropped by 40% over the previous two decades.

The investigators examined birth rates by ethnicity and discovered the reduction was most significant for Hispanics, with drops averaging 34% during the 2007 to 2011 period. Previously, Hispanic adolescents had a higher birth rate. For example, in 2007, their rate was 21% greater than that of black teens. In 2011, the rate for Hispanic teens was just 4% higher.

During the most recent period analyzed, birth rates for black adolescents fell by 24%, while white teens saw a 20% reduction.

The most significant decrease was seen in the Southeast, Mountain and Pacific states and the upper Midwest.

The study did not outline the reasons why the notable reduction took place. But, experts believe they are due to:

  • strong teen pregnancy-prevention messages
  • increased use of birth control with the first sexual experience
  • use of dual contraceptive methods such as condoms and the pill

These declines in teen birth rates are sustained, widespread, and broad-based. If rates would have remained the same as their 1991 levels, approximately 3.6 million more births from teenagers would have occurred between 1992 and 2011.

The authors suggest that although these findings are promising and good news, the U.S. is still among countries with the highest teen birth rates.

Written by Kelly Fitzgerald