Teen Health

Teenage Birth Rates Are Down

Adolescent Health in Perspective

Alan E. Guttmacher, MD, director of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, says in a news release that it was "reassuring" to see continued declines in preterm and adolescent birth rates.

Edward Sondik, PhD, director of the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics, points to "significant declines in infant mortality and in fatal injuries to teens" as being among the more interesting snapshots contained in the report.

The report's special feature on adoption says adoption is preferred over alternatives such as long-term foster care or care in group homes, emergency shelters, and orphanages. While most adopted children thrive, some experience disruptions in parenting that can affect long-term well-being, the report says.

The report was compiled by the Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics, a group of 22 federal agencies that collect, analyze, and convey data on issues related to children and families.