Report Finds Sharp Increase in Montana's Teen Birth Rate

On Wednesday, state health officials said Montana's teen birth rate rose 9 percent last year, the single largest jump since 1990. Figures show Montana's teen birth rate is 40 per 1,000 girls. Up until 1996, the rate had been hovering at around 36 per 1,000 teens. Officials said they will study reports dealing with teen sex patterns, including how often they are having sex and how early. "We don't know if this is the beginning of an increase or a blip," said state health education specialist Donci Bardash. Officials said they will be looking to obtain more federal money for family planning services, which are offered by some community-based private and nonprofit clinics.

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