Teen Birth Rates on the Rise

After a dozen years of decline in teen birth rates, evidence shows a recent rise in that rate across the country and in Minnesota.

Results of a new study indicate that the rise is not necessarily because of increased levels of sexual activity, but rather, a reduced use of contraceptives – specifically condoms.

Brigid Riley, executive director of the Minnesota Organization on Adolescent Pregnancy, Prevention and Parenting says a decade of faith-inspired curricula and an increased focus on abstinence are sending conflicting messages to teens.

"Adolescents need a lot of information; they need good-quality education about preventing, not just pregnancy," says Riley, "but HIV and other STIs, because those rates are going up as well."

Riley says Minnesota had a six percent increase in teen pregnancies in 2006, followed by another two percent jump in 2007.