Teen Pregnancy
Goal:
Measure
In this category there are three interrelated measures that include: 1) Rate of teen pregnancies per 1,000
female ages 15 to 19; 2) Percentage of births to teens under
the age of 20; and 3) Percentage of repeat teen births to mothers ages 15 to 19.
Why This Indicator is Important
Teen pregnancy and birth rates remain a
priority concern for Midland County. When teens have children, numerous medical
and financial issues arise. They are less likely to complete school, more
likely to be single parents, and most live a life of poverty. In addition,
daughters of teenage mothers are less likely to get early and regular prenatal
care. Children of teen mothers are at a high risk for low-birth
weight, which could lead to health problems.
How Are We Doing?
In Midland County, the teen pregnancy rate is below both Michigan and national averages for all categories. The rate of teen pregnancies per 1,000 female ages 15 to 19 in Midland County was about 28.3 per 1,000 versus Michigan (44 per 1,000) and the U.S. (29 per 1,000). The percentage of births to teens under the age of 20 in Midland County has remained below 7%, while U.S. and Michigan averages have remained at 8% and 9% respectively since 2011. The third category is percentage of repeat teen births ages 15 to 19 in the U.S. and Michigan have remained at 18% since 2010, with a slight drop to 17% in 2012; while in Midland County those averages have been increased from 11.4% in 2010 to 13.6% in 2012.
Qualitative Indicators for Impact
Intellectual and Social Development