CDC: Teen Repeat Births Spike

Are politics getting in the way of helping young mothers?  The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention is out with some contradictory numbers on teen births and think they know why.

FOX News Radio’s Chris Hoenig spoke with the CDC’s chief:

While teen birth rates are at a record low, CDC Director Dr. Thomas Frieden tells FOX News Radio:

(Dr. Frieden) “Nearly one out of every five births to a teen in this country is a repeat birth.”

Meaning the mother is under age 20 and already has a child.  Rates are highest among ethnic and racial minorities, but also in certain areas of the country.

(Dr. Frieden) “Generally, we see higher rates in the South and in some of the Western states.”

Dr. Frieden says contraceptive use in general isn’t the reason for a spike in repeat teen births.

(Dr. Frieden) “Only 1-in-5 teen mothers is using the most effective form of contraception, something that’s called Long-Acting Reversible Contraception.”

…Things like implants and IUDs, which have a failure rate that’s just a fraction of more traditional forms of contraception.

(Dr. Frieden) “In Colorado, where they’ve made the most effective form of contraception more accessible, half – 50% – of all teen mothers are using Long-Acting Reversible Contraception.”

Dr. Frieden says most teen mothers want to use these, but don’t have a way to get them.

Chris Hoenig, FOX News Radio.

CLICK HERE for a complete breakdown of the study’s findings.