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Tuesday, February 02, 2010
UPDATED: N.M. Teen Birth Rate Decreases in 2007
Associated Press
SANTA FE — The state health department says New Mexico's teenage birth rate has decreased to nearly 58 per 1,000 people in 2007 from almost 62 per 1,000 people the previous year.
Health Secretary Dr. Alfredo Vigil says the state must work to emphasize the importance of abstinence and provide information about how people can protect themselves from unplanned pregnancies.
The rate for 2007, the latest year available, has fallen from a peak of more than 67 people per 1,000 in 1997. The state tracks births to 15- to 19-year-olds.
The health department is spending about $823,000 this fiscal year on programs designed to decrease teen pregnancy rates.
Public health offices statewide offer family planning services, counseling and community education at no cost to patients.
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