Reducing Teen Pregnancy in the United States

Tuesday, March 19, 2013, at 1 p.m. – 2 p.m., EST

Teen birth rates in the United States have declined to the lowest rates seen in seven decades, yet they are still nine times higher than in most other developed countries and ethnic disparities continue to persist. In 2011, nearly 330,000 babies were born to women aged 15–19 years.

Teen pregnancy and childbearing bring substantial social and economic costs through immediate and long-term impacts on teen parents and their children and strains the public sector. Having a child during the teen years carries high costs—health, economic, and social—to the mother, father, child, and community. The children of teenage mothers are also more likely to have more health problems, give birth as a teenager themselves, and face unemployment as a young adult.

Prevention of teen pregnancy requires broad-based efforts including evidence-based sexual health education, support for parents in talking with their children about pregnancy prevention and other aspects of sexual and reproductive health, and ready access to effective and affordable contraception for teens who are sexually active. Parents, educators, public health and medical professionals, and community organizations all have a role to play in reducing teen pregnancy.

Presented By

LCDR Naomi K. Tepper, MD, MPH
Medical Officer, Division of Reproductive Health
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC
"Teen Pregnancy in the United States"

Rev. Millicent West, MEd
Consultant, New Bethlehem Community Center
Core Partner for We are Change, Richmond County for a Brighter Future
"Community Mobilization for Teen Pregnancy Prevention"

Gina M. Secura, PhD, MPH
Senior Scientist, Adjunct Assistant Professor
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine
"Impact of Contraceptive CHOICE Project for Teens"

CAPT Wanda Barfield, MD, MPH
Director, Division of Reproductive Health
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC
"Reducing Teen Pregnancy in the United States: Challenges and Opportunities"

Facilitated By

Tanja Popovic, MD, PhD, Scientific Director, Public Health Grand Rounds
John Iskander, MD, MPH, Deputy Scientific Director, Public Health Grand Rounds
Susan Laird, MSN, RN, Communications Manager, Public Health Grand Rounds