Number of Wis. teens giving birth declines
MILWAUKEE — The number of teenage girls giving birth is declining in Wisconsin.
A new government report says the number of girls, ages 15 to 19, giving birth dropped by 16 percent from 2007 to 2010.
Nationally, the number of teen births declined in nearly every state. Mississippi had the highest number of girls having babies, while Wisconsin ranked 10th lowest.
The Journal Sentinel says the statewide drop is similar to Milwaukee’s teen birth rate. Those working to prevent teenage pregnancy say a concerted effort by community leaders and a comprehensive sex education program are needed to continue to make improvement.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention attributes the decline to a recent government survey which showed more use of contraceptives by teens.