CDC study shows that teen pregnancy in U.S. hits record low

By Staff Writer

A new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that the teen birth rate in the U.S. is at a record low. However, a related survey found that a significant number of adolescents had misconceptions or a misunderstanding about the use of birth control.

The new data, which was revealed on Tuesday, showed that the teenage birth rate declined by 6 percent in 2009, and the rates dropped among all racial and ethnic groups. These figures come after two consecutive years of increasing teen birth rates in America.

A national phone survey called With One Voice 2010 was released on Tuesday to provide context for the new CDC report. Approximately 46 percent of teens who were surveyed said that parents most influence their decisions about sex, while about 20 percent said that their friends most influence their decisions.

One alarming statistic revealed that about 34 percent of teens believe that birth control does not effect a girl's likelihood of becoming pregnant. Nearly half of respondents admitted that they knew "little or nothing" about condoms and how to use them.

Problem teens who engage in risky behavior may benefit from wilderness therapy, which is designed to promote responsible decision-making.