Colten Frese's List: STICKIES

• teen pregnancy rate increased for two years in a row in 2006 and 2007—to more than 42 out of 1000.
• Declining teen pregnancy rates are thought to be attributed to more effective birth control practice and decreased sexual activity among teens. The most dramatic reduction in teen pregnancy—23%—has occurred among African American teenagers.
• • Teenage births are associated with lower annual income for the mother. Eighty percent of teen mothers must rely on welfare at some point.    
  • Teenage mothers are more likely to drop out of school. Only about one-third of teen mothers obtain a high school diploma.    
  • Teenage pregnancies are associated with increased rates of alcohol and substance abuse, lower educational level, and reduced earning potential in teen fathers.   
  • In the United States, the annual cost of teen pregnancies from lost tax revenues, public assistance, child health care, foster care, and involvement with the criminal justice system is estimated to be about $7 billion. 
   

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• Three-quarters of a million teens between 15 and 19 become pregnant each year.
• Teen mothers account for 11% of all births in the US.