According to a new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teenage pregnancy rates have seen an evident decline from 2007 to 2011
During the last decade, teen pregnancy was a serious issue in the U.S. and many campaigns and studies were conducted to build awareness among teenagers and curb the growing number. This seems to have provided the desired results as the number of teenage pregnancy cases in the U.S. has dropped by 25 percent from 2007 to 2011.
The rate fell by 30 percent in seven states during this period. In all the other states, except two, the rate fell by 15 percent. The decline was most evident among Hispanic teenagers where teen births fell by 34 percent, followed by black teenagers who saw a 24 percent fall and it was 20 percent for non-Hispanic white teenagers.
Berrien County Health Department Epidemiologist Yasi Back says the numbers are headed in the right direction. "If you compare it to five years ago, it's down significantly for our county, for Michigan and nationally," said Back.
According to the CDC, teen pregnancy is mostly the result of poverty and an area's economic status.
"There's an increase in awareness for teen pregnancy, there's also an increase in access," said Back.
By access, Back means access to seminars and meetings that educate teenagers about sex and access to contraceptives so that they could practice safe sex.
"We have always been known as a city full of violence and single parent families, so to hear that the pregnancy rate is going down in our community is great news," said John Howard, Benton Harbor Boys and Girls Club. The club is known to hold many such meetings.
"Our young people should be given pats on the back. Not just for not being pregnant, but also for being productive citizens within our community," said Howard.
