Abortion Statistics: Teenage Abortions in the United States

Abortion Statistics: Since 2000, teenage pregnancy rates have been on a continuous decline in the United States. Due to a variety of factors, this lessened rate of teenage pregnancy also has resulted in a dramatically lower rate in terminations performed on teenage girls under the age of eighteen. These statistics were compiled in 2004 by the Alan Gutterman Institute in New York City, New York. The statistics reflect residents of the United States only and do not deal with international termination rates. Furthermore, these statistics separate teenage girls who became pregnant, had a termination, or successfully birthed a child. Furthermore, the data for this study was divided by age groups and races.

The possible reason for this decline is increased education in the school systems. Additional sexual education classes in public and private schools inform teens the risks of becoming sexually active. Furthermore, these classes have taught teenagers who are going to become sexually active regardless of the pro abstinence information available the different methods of birth control. Some school districts have gone so far as to have the school nurse give briefs of the correct manner to use birth control devices and have provided teens with free condoms and other methods of birth control. Some teens would avoid birth control devices simply because they must purchase them and do not have the money or are too embarrassed to purchase the items from a local store. Other teens find themselves in a sexual situation without any birth control on them, so they choose not to use any at all.

The termination statistics for teenage pregnancies show a 28 percent drop since 1990. Furthermore, the birth rate for pregnant teens fell by 23 percent since 1991. Additionally, the abortion rate dropped 43 percent since 1986. These amazing statistics show dramatic progress when dealing with teenagers who become sexually active. A teenage girl who becomes pregnant before she finishes schooling is faced with a huge hurdle to overcome. Similarly, those girls who do have abortions find themselves faced with emotional issues and are more apt to find themselves in a repeat situation in the future.

Also read our article about What is Abortion