In 1992, 112 pregnancies occurred per 1,000 U.S. women aged 15-19; of these, 61 ended in births, 36 in abortions and 15 in miscarriages. Black teenagers' rates of pregnancies, births and abortions were 2-3 times those of whites; Hispanic teenagers had rates of births and abortions between those of blacks and whites. While similar proportions of pregnant black and non-Hispanic white teenagers had abortions (40% and 38%, respectively), the proportion was lower among Hispanics (29%). Among all women 15-19, the birthrate rose 12 points between 1987 and 1991; one-third of the rise (four points) may be attributable to a fall in the abortion rate. Between 1991 and 1995, the birth rate of black teenagers fell from 116 to 96 per 1,000, a level well below that of Hispanics (106 per 1,000). Among the states, pregnancy rates per 1,000 teenagers in 1992 ranged from 159 (in California) to 59 (in North Dakota), birth rates per 1,000 varied from 84 (Mississippi) to 31 (New Hampshire) and abortion rates per 1,000 ranged from 67 (Hawaii) to nine (Utah). The pregnancy rates of white and black teenagers are negatively correlated.
PIP: An analysis of data collected by the US National Center for Health Statistics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Alan Guttmacher Institute enabled the identification of trends in teenage abortion and pregnancy by geographic region and race. In 1992, there were 112 pregnancies per 1000 US women 15-19 years old; of these, 61 ended in births, 36 in abortion, and 14 in spontaneous abortion. Black teenagers' rates of pregnancy, birth, and abortion were 2-3 times those of Whites, while Hispanic teens occupied an intermediate position. Abortions were sought by 40% of pregnant White teens, 38% of Black teens, and only 29% of Hispanics. Between 1987 and 1991, the birth rate among US teens 15-19 years old rose 12 points, presumably reflecting reduced availability of abortion services and greater acceptance of childbearing outside of marriage. During 1991-95, the birth rate of Black teenagers fell most dramatically, from 116 to 96/1000, and their condom use increased substantially. The state-level analysis indicated a range in pregnancy rates per 1000 teenagers in 1992 from 59 in North Dakota to 159 in California; birth rates per 1000 ranged from 31 in New Hampshire to 84 in Mississippi, while abortion rates per 1000 ranged from 9 in Utah to 67 in Hawaii. An unexpected finding was a negative correlation between the pregnancy rates of White and Black teenagers. Overall, these findings suggest that state policies and other state characteristics either have little influence on teenage pregnancy rates or exert different influences on Black and White teenagers.