Birth to Teens

Infants & Toddlers

Note

*: Statistically unstable
HHSA Regions: Health and Human Services Agency regions

Rates are number of births to girls aged 15 through 17 per 1,000 population of girls the same age.
The large proportion of births with unknown race/ethnicity affects the accuracy of statistics by race/ethnicity.
Reporting of births that occur in other states is known to be incomplete. From 2017 to 2019, births that occurred outside California are excluded.
Interpret trends with caution, as only 2020 and later years’ population estimates incorporate Census 2020 results. Population estimates for 2011-2019 will be revised when estimates that incorporate Census 2020 results become available.
Interpret with caution rates calculated for fewer than 20 events since they are considered statistically unreliable.

Data not available:

Numbers are censored and rates are not calculated when the number of events is fewer than 11. Thus, under the Maternal Race-Ethnicity, for Asia in 2015-2023 and for African American/Black in 2021-2023, for Native American/Alaskan, Pacific Islander, Other, and Unknown were excluded from the charts due to rates being unavailable for all years.

Maternal Race-Ethnicity categories:

Hispanic, While, African American/Black, Asian, Two or More Races

Source:

State of California, Department of Public Health, Center for Health Statistics and Informatics, Birth Statistical Master Files and California Comprehensive Birth Files. SANDAG, Current Estimates, Released 3/3/2015; SANDAG, Vintage 2021 Yearly Population and Housing Estimates, Released 9/2022; Vintage 2023 Yearly Population and Housing Estimates, 2020-2023, Released 1/2025.
Prepared by: County of San Diego, Health and Human Services Agency, Public Health Services, Maternal, Child and Family Health Services (www.sdmcfhs.org), 6/10/2025

What is the indicator?

This indicator—the birth rate per 1,000 females ages 15-17 years—monitors trends in births to teens ages 15-17. These data are recorded on birth certificates and reported as part of local, state, and federal vital statistics. It is not possible to get reliable data on the number of teens who become pregnant or are sexually active.

Why is this important?

Despite the continued decline in teen pregnancy rates, the United States still has one of the highest rates among industrialized countries. Adolescents are generally not developmentally, physically, or psychologically prepared for pregnancy and parenting. Teen mothers are less likely to receive adequate prenatal care and are more prone to maintaining unhealthy behaviors, which poses risks to both their own health and their babies’. Children of teen parents are more likely to face health issues, developmental delays, and lower academic performance. Additionally, teen parents are less likely to complete high school and achieve economic self-sufficiency. Consequently, teen parenthood jeopardizes the well-being of both the current and future generations.

What strategies can make a difference?

These evidence-based and best practices are used across the country to address teen births:

Provide comprehensive life skills and reproductive health education in schools using age-appropriate, evidence-based curricula for sex and STD/HIV prevention.
Expand Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) screening and offer trauma-informed care to support youth affected by sexual abuse or other forms of maltreatment.
Promote positive family engagement by encouraging communication and healthy relationships between parents and teens.
Ensure access to confidential adolescent health services, including contraceptive education and family planning, on or near school campuses.
Involve male teens in education and discussions, recognizing their role in reducing teen pregnancies through better education and awareness.