Montana Teen Birth Rate Increases

December 19, 2007 -- New data showing a significant increase in the Montana teen birth rate for 2006 has drawn the attention of officials with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS).

The state birth rate increased 9 percent last year marking the biggest single year increase since 1990, Colleen Lindsay, supervisor for the Women’s and Men’s Health Section for DPHHS, said Wednesday. The previous high was a 3.4 percent increase in 2004. The 2007 figures won’t be available until next year.

“It’s too soon to determine the exact cause of the increase, but we’ll be taking an in-depth look at this over the next several weeks,” Lindsay said. “What we can say for sure is that there will not be one simple answer, but many factors that influence teen pregnancy and birth.”

Montana is still below the national average, but the gap may be closing as last year there was only a 3 percent increase in the teen birth rate nationwide. Before 2006, Montana’s birth rate had been relatively stable, recording its lowest level in 1999 at a rate of 36 per 1,000 teens. Montana’s current birth rate is 40 per 1,000 teens.

DPHHS will be analyzing the state data ranging from when teens are having sex, how many sexual partners a teen reports, whether or not they are using alcohol or drugs during sex and what contraceptive services they access and use to protect themselves from pregnancy.

The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) compiled by the Office of Public Instruction, is the state’s best indicator of teen risk behavior. According to YRBS, more Montana teens disclose binge drinking than any other state. YRBS trends indicate that more Montana teens are drinking in general and, that teens are drinking at a younger age. “It’s hard to make good choices when you are under the influence of alcohol,” Lindsay said. “This may place more teens in a situation they aren’t prepared for, including having sex.”

Access to medically-accurate information and birth control are also ways to prevent teen pregnancy. Montana’s Family Planning Program provides affordable, confidential education and birth control to 29 communities across the state. All clinics educate teens about sexual behavior, including abstinence, how to discuss their choices with family and how to avoid sexual abuse. “Not everyone lives in a community with a family planning clinic, so DPHHS is currently seeking a Medicaid waiver that would expand family planning services across the state,” Lindsay said.

The Medicaid family planning waiver would expand Medicaid coverage of family planning services to eligible Montana women at higher income levels than current Medicaid allows.

“Although DPHHS is working to decrease teen pregnancy, studies indicate that families and communities are the most influential people in a teen’s life,” Lindsay said. “I’d like encourage communities across Montana to work together to decrease teen pregnancy.”

Lindsay offers the following tips for parents, teenagers and adult mentors.

* If you’re a parent, talk with your children early and often about important life topics, including sexuality. It’s no longer about the one big talk. Make sure that your children know that they can come to you with difficult questions. Visit www.teenpregnancy.org for more information.

* If you’re a teen, enjoy that special time in your life. But, realize you’re bright future will be even brighter if you wait to start a family.

* Adults who aren’t parents can still make a difference in a teenager’s life by helping them navigate into adulthood by sharing information and offering the support they need to make wise choices.

To locate the nearest family planning clinic near you, call 1-800-965-1137. All services are confidential.

Source: Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services

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