Subsequent Teen Births

Lookbook Vol. 2

DEFINITION

The percentage of teen mothers who had at least two births by the age of nineteen in 2017.8,36

23.8 percent*

23.3percent*

OKLAHOMA

Data Highlight:

NATIONAL AVERAGE *2017 data are used for this national comparison. At the time of writing, preliminary 2018 data were released by the Oklahoma State Department of Health, showing a 28.6 percent decrease from 2017 to 2018 in subsequent teen birth, falling from 23.8 percent to 17 percent.8,36

Why We Care:

While not a traditional academic indicator, subsequent teen births are strongly correlated with lower educational attainment. Oklahoma’s rate for subsequent teen births is higher than most states, though that number appears to be declining.8 As of 2018, nearly one in five teen births in the state of Oklahoma are repeat births. Repeat births to teens significantly affect young women’s ability to graduate from high school, even when compared to their peers with one child.70 In 2017, Oklahoma became the recipient of the Pregnancy Assistance Fund, a federal grant designed to create support networks for young parents seeking to graduate from high school and accomplish life goals.71,72 Programs that emphasize goal setting, and encourage young parents to meet their educational and employment goals before having another child have shown effectiveness in preventing subsequent teen births.71,73

What We Can Do:

- Support life skills and enrichment programs such as the Tulsa-based program, “Strong Tomorrows,” an organization that specifically supports young mothers with multiple children

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