The researchers said that pregnancy prevention program materials need to be updated. What’s happening now? What messages are they getting now which they did not even three or four years ago?

They also pointed out that, among teenagers, the biggest increase was among American-Indian and Native Alaskan teens—12 per cent.

Teen pregnancy prevention programs must be developed within the context of the times. Researchers noted that, for 15 years, there had been declines in pregnancy rates among  this age group. The sudden jump underscores their conviction that fresh approaches are called for. When the material is as old as some of the young teen mothers, time for a re-do.

Medpage Today

“The number of births in the U.S. increased yet again in 2007, topping 4.3 million — a 1% jump over the previous year, researchers reported.

“Birthrates increased among all age groups — notably teenagers, who have seen a rise in pregnancies for the second year in a row, according to Melonie Heron, PhD, of the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, and colleagues. (Emphasis added)

“The researchers published their annual report on birth statistics in the January 2010 issue of Pediatrics.

“Teen births among those ages 15 to 19 rose about 1% in 2007, to 42.5 births per 1,000 teens. This contrasts with a long-term decline in adolescent birthrates that extended from 1991 through 2005, the researchers said.”

…”The proportion of births among unmarried women also increased “to historic levels” in 2007,  rising to 39.7% from 38.5% in 2006, the researchers said. That’s up by 26% from 2002, when the recent steep increases began.”

Source: Medpage Today, December 22, 2009

Citation: Pediatrics, January 2010