The world is rapidly changing, as are people’s habits and lifestyle choices. Certain commonalities from 20 years are rare today.
As society sees more developments, this pattern of transition is likely to continue. In 2023, one notable trend just so happens to be a decline in the rate of teenagers who are giving birth.
Given the fact that many teens are still children themselves, a reduction in teen births can be naturally seen as positive. Moreover, studies show that teens are less equipped (mentally, emotionally, and certainly financially) than their older counterparts to raise kids.
Children who are born to teen parents (or even one teen parent) often face a higher likelihood of poverty and other struggles that can set them back.
What to know about the decline of teen birth rates
New data from the CDC reveals that in 2022, for every 1,000 girls and women between 15-19, only 13.5 gave birth. Just one year prior, the birth rate for teens in their latter years stood at 13.9.
Various medical specialists have cited the decline in teen births as a sign of society taking positive strides in the right direction. Some factors believed to be fueling this decline are birth control access, a rise in programs geared toward pregnancy prevention, and higher levels of abstinence.