Teen birth can impact health outcomes of both the pregnant person and the infant. Infants born to pregnant teens are more likely to be premature, have low birth weight, and are at higher risk for death. Having a baby can also negatively impact the pregnant teen’s health and their educational and job opportunities. Evidence shows that a variety of outreach and educational programs can help reduce unintended teen pregnancies (Healthy People 2030). 

Considerations for Equitable Approaches: While the teen birth rate in the United States has declined in recent years, it is still substantially higher than in other western industrialized nations. Within the U.S., there are disparities by race, ethnicity, and geography. Compared to the overall birth rate among pregnant persons aged 15-19, birth rates are higher among Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, and American Indian or Alaska Native populations. Social determinants of health such as education and income of the teen’s family, may contribute to higher teen birth rates. Community level efforts that address social and economic factors associated with teen pregnancy can play a critical role in addressing racial, ethnic, and geographical disparities in teen births (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics).