Why Is This Important?
Arkansas ranks 50th (worst) in the U.S. in teen births. Teen pregnancy is closely linked to incomplete education, poverty, premature births, child welfare, overall child well-being, and risky behaviors like alcohol abuse, costing Arkansans about $129 million annually. We could significantly reduce our health and social problems if more children were born to parents who are ready and able to care for them.
Measures
Time
Period
Period
Current Actual Value
Current Target Value
Current
Trend
Trend
Baseline
% Change
% Change
2018
29.7 per 1,000
35.0 per 1,000
8
-43%
2018
42.5 per 1,000
44.0 per 1,000
1
-40%