Kids Matter! - 2008

HEALTHY CHILDREN

Teen Pregnancy

Total teen pregnancy rates for mothers (ages 15-17) have not changed significantly over the past six years. The lowest rate is observed in 2006, in which it was 38.8 per 1,000 females (resulting in 196 pregnancies). Black females in this age group continue to have teen pregnancy rates that are significantly higher than that of White females. Although the numbers remain disproportionately small, Hispanic teens also have a disproportionately higher teen pregnancy rate when compared to White teens.

Definition: Teen Pregnancy Rate is defined as the total number of pregnancies (reported fetal deaths, induced abortions, or live births) per 1,000 females in a specified age group (e.g. ages 15-17). In Chatham County, there were a total of 233 pregnancies to mothers (ages 15-17) in 2007, hence, a rate of 44.9 per 1,000.

Formula: ((Total pregnancies in age group / Total female population in age group) X 1000)