What is behind the declines in teen pregnancy rates

The progress the nation has made over the last few decades in reducing teen pregnancy has been extraordinary. After years of increases in the 1970s and 1980s the teen pregnancy rate peaked in 1990 and has declined steadily since. Today teen pregnancy birth and abortion rates have reached historic lows. What is more teen pregnancy rates have fallen in all 50 states and among all racial and ethnic groups. Basically teen pregnancy rates can decrease in one of two ways -- if teens have less sex or become more effective contraceptive users -- or through some combination of the two. The evidence clearly indicates that more and better contraceptive use has been the main factor driving the long-term decline in teen pregnancy. The evidence however is much murkier when it comes to deciphering the social cultural and economic factors affecting teens’ sexual behaviors and contraceptive use patterns. This article attempts to deconstruct the fall of teen pregnancy rates over the last several decades so that future programs policies and practices can be shaped to help advance -- rather than hinder -- these positive trends. (Excerpts)