Teens having fewer babies

California’s teen birth rate continues to drop, reaching its lowest point since peaking in 1991.

The state’s current teen birth rate is 28 births per every 1,000 girls between 15 and 19 years old, down from an all-time high of 70.9 births per 1,000, according to a California Department of Public Health press release. Teen birth rates dropped across all ethnic groups, including a 42 percent decrease for Hispanic teens since 2001.

Early childbearing is connected to poor academic achievement and diminished earning-potential for the mother and father, and is viewed as a hindrance to early-childhood development.

State officials pointed to school and community education programs as key components of the multi-faceted approach to lowering the teen birth rate.

“California’s innovative strategies and community partnerships aimed at lowering teen pregnancy are helping young women and men make responsible choices,” said Dr. Ron Chapman, director of the CDPH. “We must not be complacent; we must continue to promote teen-pregnancy-prevention programs and strategies.”