Number of births per 1,000 female population ages 15-19. The 2023 County Health Rankings used data from 2014-2020 for this measure. (CHR 2023)

Early childbearing during teenage years has been associated with adverse health outcomes for the mother-child dyad, the impacts of which can extend to partners, other family members, and the community. Negative outcomes for children and mothers with early childbearing are best explained by social disadvantage and social adversity.¹ Mothers who give birth during teen years face barriers to attaining an education at or above high school completion and face additional mental and physical stress as well as chronic lack of community support.^2-4 Young parents may struggle to find affordable, quality childcare, and suitable transportation, further hampering options for education or employment. (CHR 2023)