The Importance of Prevention

In 2006, there were 435,436 births to mothers aged 15–19 years in the United States, a birth rate of 41.9 per 1,000 women in this age group.

The majority, nearly two thirds among mothers under age 18 and more than half among mothers aged 18–19 years, of teen births are unintended—they occurred sooner than desired or were not wanted at any time. U.S. teen pregnancy and birth, STDs, and abortion rates are considerably higher than most other developed countries.

The purpose of the Promoting Science-Based Approaches to Prevent Teen Pregnancy (PSBA) program is to increase the capacity of state and local organizations such as schools, health clinics, community-based organizations, and other youth-serving organizations to use a science-based approach to prevent teen pregnancy (Definitions of Science-Based Approach, Science-based Program, and Promising Program.)

To accomplish this goal, the program funds three national organizations, nine state teen pregnancy organizations and four Regional Training Centers that help state and local organizations build a set of identified capacities needed to use a science-based approach.

Read more and gain access to a wide range of evidence-based resources at the CDC website for Adolescent Reproductive Health.