National and state-specific pregnancy rates among adolescents--United States, 1995-1997.

Each year in the United States, 800,000-900,000 adolescents aged < or = 19 years become pregnant. Adolescent pregnancy and childbearing have been associated with adverse health and social consequences for young women and their children. This report presents estimated national numbers of pregnancies and national and state-specific pregnancy rates for adolescents aged < or = 19 years from 1995 to 1997. The findings indicate a decline in national and state-specific adolescent pregnancy rates during 1995-1997, and a continuing downward trend beginning in the early 1990s (1,2,4).