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 Research trends show the teen birth rate continues to be a big concern when it comes to the baby's health and the parents' ability to provide care. RICHMOND, VA (Catholic Online) - According to the Centers for Disease Control, teen birth rate is at its lowest since the 1960s. In almost every state, teen birth rates have fallen. Between the years of 2009 and 2010, the rate has dropped nine percent and has dropped 44 percent since 1991. The national study is based on teens ages 15 to 19. Mississippi has the highest rate, as of now; with 55 out of every 1,000 women who gave birth were teens. Virginia is ranking 37 out of 50 states; with an estimated 27 out of 1,000 births were teen mothers. Health officials have stated that contraception and abstinence from sex could be some of the reasons that the rates in Virginia have decreased. Although it's good news, only 50 percent of students nation-wide have been reported to talk to their parents about sex. "The trend is continuing to go in a good direction," said Virginia Department of Health Family Health Services Office Director, Diane Helentjaris. "We're not totally surprised but we're glad to see these trends go in a positive direction." © 2012, Catholic Online. Distributed by NEWS CONSORTIUM. - - - Pope Benedict XVI's Prayer Intentions for January 2013 General Intention: The Faith of Christians. That in this Year of Faith Christians may deepen their knowledge of the mystery of Christ and witness joyfully to the gift of faith in him. Missionary Intention: Middle Eastern Christians. That the Christian communities of the Middle East, often discriminated against, may receive from the Holy Spirit the strength of fidelity and perseverance. |
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