Pregnancy: General Pregnancy And Pregnancy Prevention Questions/Concerns / Question
Published: May 2, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
What is the percentage of under age teens that has gotten pregnant this year?
Signed: Percent Of Underage Pregnancies
Dear Percent Of Underage Pregnancies,
Actual pregnancy statistics have not been compiled for the year 2001 so we will not be able to give you precise numbers.
The most comprehensive research to date by the government covers the years 1990 - 1997. In 1997, about 9.4% of all girls ages 15 to 19 became pregnant for a total of 872,000 pregnancies. Of that number 55% gave birth 29% had abortions and the remainder miscarried. Pregnancy rates were significantly higher in low-income communities, and African American and Hispanic girls are twice as likely to get pregnant as Caucasian girls are.
Overall, the teen pregnancy fell 19% in 1997 from its peak in 1991 and was the lowest since 1976 when the government began keeping records. More recent preliminary data shows that the birth rate has continued to decline. Still, if you do the math 872,000 pregnancies a year amounts to over 2400 teenage pregnancies everyday.
The lesson here is:
Try not to have sex until you are ready. If you believe you are ready, practice safer sex and always use a condom. It is also a great idea and recommended medically for you to consult with a doctor before engaging in a sexual relationship. A local teen clinic or Planned Parenthood can see you without parental consent and for little or no cost.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Crash risk is particularly high during the first year that teenagers are eligible to drive.
