Key findings • In 2008, state-specific teenage birth rates varied widely, from less than 25.0 per 1,000 15–19 year olds to more than 60.0. • Rates for non-Hispanic white and Hispanic teenagers were uniformly higher in the Southeast and lower in the Northeast and California. • The highest rates for non- Hispanic black teenagers were reported in the upper Midwest and in the Southeast. • The race and Hispanic origin-specific birth rates by state as well as the population composition of states by race and Hispanic origin contribute to state variations in overall teenage birth rates. In 2008, state-specific teenage birth rates varied widely, from less than 25.0 per 1,000 15-19 year olds to more than 60.0. Rates for non-Hispanic white and Hispanic teenagers were uniformly higher in the Southeast and lower in the Northeast and California. The highest rates for non-Hispanic black teenagers were reported in the upper Midwest and in the Southeast. The race and Hispanic origin-specific birth rates by state as well as the population composition of states by race and Hispanic origin contribute to state variations in overall teenage birth rates. Suggested citation: Mathews TJ, Sutton PD, Hamilton BE, Ventura SJ. State disparities in teenage birth rates in the United States. NCHS data brief, no 46. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2010. CS216871 T37970 (10/2010)

Stephen B. Thacker CDC Library collection