A Look at Teen Pregnancy in
New Mexico
Although rural, with high poverty rates and low access to health care
services, New Mexico has demonstrated commitment to documenting the scope
of the teen pregnancy problem and to working on viable solutions.
The following statistics reflect the most recent data at the time of
publication. Please note the year listed for each statistic.
NM Teen Pregnancy/Teen Birth Rates
-
In 1992, NM ranked 5th in the US in teen pregnancy rates at 129
per 1,000. The US rate is 112 per 1,000 (1st CA, 2nd NV, 3rd HI,
4th AZ). 3
-
In NM, from 1980-1995, 13-14 year olds showed the highest increase in both
teen pregnancy and teen birth rates. 6
-
In 1995, NM ranked 3rd in birth rates to 15-19 year olds at 75 per
1,000. The US rate is 55 per 1,000 (1st MS, 2nd AZ, and TX). 6
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In 1995 in NM, the birth rate to 13-14 year olds was 41 per 1,000;
the second highest rate in NM since 1980. 6
-
In 1996, 18% of all births in NM were to teens (15-19 years old), a slight
decline from 1995. 6 Nationally, 13% of births are to teens.
-
One third of all NM families begin while the mother is a teen. 7
-
In 1996, teens in New Mexico gave birth to 4,851 babies.
-Hispanic girls
made up 44% of our female teen population; they delivered 64% of these
babies.
-Non-Hispanic
white girls made up 41% of our female teen population; they delivered 19%
of
these babies.
-Native
American girls made up 12% of our female teen population; they delivered
13% of
these babies.
-African
American girls made up 2% of our female teen population; they delivered
3% of
these babies.
-Other
ethnic groups made up 1% of our female teen population; they delivered
1% of
these babies.8
-
The highest NM county rankings for births to 15-19 year olds - per 1,000
- are as follows: 9
1996
#1:
Luna County
127.8
#2:
Quay County
105.1
#3:
Sierra County
103.2
#4:
Curry County
100.9
#5:
Union County
98.4
New Mexico
Average 75.1
-
In NM, teen pregnancies result in 62% live births; 23% abortions; 15% miscarriages.
2
-
Approximately 79% of births to teens in New Mexico occur outside of marriage.
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