

Module 10.1:
Teen Pregnancy:
Teen Pregnancy: Key Issues and Statistics
1. Teen Birth Rates:
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In 2022, the teen birth rate in the United States was 15.4 births per 1,000 females aged 15-19. Despite this decline, the U.S. teen birth rate remains higher than the rates of many other developed countries.
2. Variations by Race and Ethnicity:
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Birth rates differ across racial and ethnic groups:
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In 2021, the teen birth rates (births per 1,000 females aged 15-19) varied by race and ethnicity:
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Non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native females: 24
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Non-Hispanic Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander females: 22
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Non-Hispanic Black females: 22
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Hispanic females: 21
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Non-Hispanic White females: 9
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Non-Hispanic Asian females: 21
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These statistics highlight the disparities in teen pregnancy rates among different racial and ethnic groups
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American Indian/Alaska Native adolescents had the highest birth rate (25.7 per 1,000 females aged 15-19.
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3. Health Risks and Educational Challenges:
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Teen mothers face health risks during pregnancy and childbirth due to physical immaturity.
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Balancing parenting responsibilities with education can be challenging, impacting educational attainment.
4. Economic Consequences and Social Stigma:
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Teen parents are more likely to live in poverty.
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Social stigma can make seeking support difficult for young parents.
5. Emotional and Mental Health Impact:
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Teen mothers often experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and stress.
6. Impact on Children:
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Children born to teenage parents may face developmental challenges due to limited resources and less stable environments.
7. Substance Use and Teen Pregnancy:
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Substance use is intertwined with adolescent pregnancy.
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Pregnant youth aged 15–17 report higher rates of illicit drug and alcohol use.
The Impact of Substance Use:
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Substance use during pregnancy can lead to premature birth, miscarriage, and fetal brain development issues.
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The specific impact depends on the substance and frequency of use.
Remember, promoting a drug-free lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of teenage pregnancy. Drugs and alcohol impair decision-making skills and responsible sexual behavior. So, let’s encourage healthy choices