In a recent report by Teenwise, Minnesota’s teen birthrate has fallen to a 40 year low. After increases in 2006 and 2007, Minnesotas overall teen birthrate dropped to 24.3 births per 1,000 females (aged 15-19). This rate is significantly below the national average.
Via the Star Tribune:
Minnesota's rates were higher than the national averages, however, for Hispanics and Asian-Americans, and among the worst in the nation for African-Americans. Minnesota's teen birthrate for American Indians is nearly double the national average.
Report contributor, Brigid Riley, said the vast disparities between racial and ethnic groups are likely due to the inequities in income and education, as well as a variety of other factors. She also emphasized the importance of sexual education programs that discuss abstinence and also provide teens with the information they need to keep themselves healthy and safe.
Riley cited teen programs that work in schools that give teens a “more nuanced conversation about health relationships.” Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota has several peer education programs that do just that—comprehensive sex education one classroom at a time.
Read more about Minnesota teen birthrates in the Star Tribune.
--by Karina, Web Editor, Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund
