From 2010–2020, California's Adolescent Birth Rate (ABR) continued to decline, resulting in an all-time low and mirroring the national trend. ABR decreases occurred across age and racial/ethnic groups and the state's geographical regions. This data brief presents 2010–12 and 2018–20 rate estimates by subgroup and examines regional contributions to the overall decline statewide.
Early repeat childbearing can carry high emotional, social, health, and economic costs to adolescents aged 10–19 and their children. Infants from repeat births are often born too small or too soon and preterm births can lead to potential health problems for the children. This data brief presents 2010–12 and 2018–20 estimates of numbers and percentages of repeat births to adolescents by subgroup.
The Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Division released Adolescent Births in California, 2000–2018 . This report reveals that California continues to experience considerable success in reducing the number of births to females under age 20.
Below are audio clips answering two frequently asked questions about California's adolescent birth rate.
California Adolescent Birth Rate Overview - 2018 Data Release (YouTube, 1min) – The California adolescent birth rate continues to decline. Learn why the California Department of Public Health tracks adolescent childbearing in our state.
California Adolescent Birth Rate Varies Across Counties – 2018 Data Release (YouTube, 1 min) – There are geographic inequities in adolescent childbearing in California. Learn which counties have the highest and lowest adolescent birth rates.
Disparities in California's Adolescent Birth Rate – 2018 Data Release (YouTube, 1 min) – While the adolescent birth rate continues to decline, there are still substantial racial, ethnic and geographic inequities in adolescent childbearing across California.
Why does the adolescent birth rate continue to decline? Download audio (MP3, 1 min) | Transcript (PDF)
Why do some geographic areas in the state have higher birth rates compared to other geographic areas? Download audio (MP3, 1 min) | Transcript (PDF)