Teen Birth Rate Decreases

The national teen birth rate is on the decline.

And locally, the numbers are following suit. Muskingum County sees about 40 births in teens between the ages of 15 to 17 per year. And about 100 for teens between the ages of 18 and 19.

"We’re not seeing as many teens, which is remarkable considering about two-thirds of all teens in 12th grade are having some sort of sexual intercourse," said Director of Genesis Women’s and Children’s Services. "It’s pretty remarkable the teen pregnancy rate has decreased."

According to Montgomery, those numbers are going down for several reasons including the schools focusing on comprehensive Sex-Ed and more funding from the government to do so.

She said an increase in the availability of contraceptives for teens and a general awareness have worked together to lower the rate. Teens are understanding the repercussions of becoming pregnant at such a young age.

"They can have dysfunctional families," said Montgomery. "More emotional problems and mental health issues. The impact, they utilize our community agencies around the state and national level. The amount of resources used is just dramatic.

Pregnant teens have severe financial and social impacts, said Montgomery.

Ohio currently ranks 28th in teen birth rates.