OLR Report 2013-R-0376 addresses four questions about teen pregnancy: (1) the teen pregnancy rates in the state's largest cities during the last 10 years, (2) the graduation rates in these cities, (3) information about New York City's teen pregnancy prevention model, and (4) information on any other successful prevention models.
We were unable to obtain town-by-town teen pregnancy rates. However, we were able to obtain town births and birth rate information for certain years. According to an official from UConn Health Center's Family Planning Program, approximately one-third of teen pregnancies do not go to term. (When determining the pregnancy rate, researchers look at the number of live births, abortions, and miscarriages.) While nationally and in Connecticut both the teen pregnancy and birth rates have fallen over the last decade and beyond, state data reveal that the largest cities continue to have much higher birth rates than the statewide averages.
Many teen pregnancy prevention models have been tried and evaluated. Two stand out for having been replicated, rigorously evaluated over the last 20 years, and found to achieve positive results in reducing teen pregnancy and other risky behaviors. One is the Carrera model, a comprehensive, multi-year approach that engages young adolescents living in impoverished communities in daily activities designed to keep them in school and focused on a future that includes college. The other model is the Teen Outreach Program (TOP). This nine-month model combines community volunteerism with classroom activities. Both programs have consistently produced positive outcomes in terms of reducing teen pregnancy and other risky behaviors. And both stress a comprehensive approach to prevention, which includes both abstinence education and access to other birth control methods.
Both models are currently being used in Connecticut cities with high teen pregnancy rates.
For more information, read the full report.
