Teen Pregnancy Rate Down in South Carolina

According to year 2000 data released last week, fewer South Carolina teens are getting pregnant, continuing a six-year trend. The figures released by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control show that last year, 10,732 girls ages 10 to 19 became pregnant -- 173 fewer than in 1999. Of the pregnant teens, 8,565 gave birth, compared to 8,647 in 1999. Joy Campbell, president and CEO of the South Carolina Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, called the drop "extremely significant."

Programs like Campbell's are helpful in reducing teen pregnancies, but they aren't the only reasons the numbers have fallen, said Baron Holmes, project director of Kids Count, which tracks children's educational, social, economic and physical well-being for the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Holmes said a generally strong job market had helped lower the number of teen mothers. "People who think there's something over the horizon for them in terms of job opportunities and advancement generally take care of their sexual relations in a way where they won't become pregnant. At that age, it's a big complication toward advancing," he said. A 1998 study by Darrell Parker of Winthrop University's Center on Economic Development estimated that a typical teen birth results in a five-year interruption in earnings and an average of $93,696 in lost economic activity.

Another factor is an increase in the use of condoms as teens have become more aware of the risk of contracting HIV. Holmes also credited the information teens gain in health education classes and the teachings they learn in church.

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