Preventing Teen Pregnancy,

Promoting Healthy Youth

Youth

Considerable growth takes place during the teen years – physically, mentally and emotionally. Young people deserve accurate information from trusted sources, and guidance from caring adults. Here are some resources developed just for teens.

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PARENTS

Parents and caring adults know it’s a very different world for today’s teens. You have hopes and dreams for the children in your life, as well as legitimate concerns. The good news is that you have a lot more influence than you think. Here are some resources that may help.

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PROGRAMS

An effective prevention strategy includes quality health education and services – programs that are medically accurate, evidence-based and focused on the developmental needs of teens. Program resources are available that can be used with a variety of groups and settings.

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Oklahoma's teen birth rate is decreasing, but still remains among the highest in the nation.

Oklahoma’s teen birth rate for ages 15-19 declined by 3% from 8.7 in 2022 to 8.3 in 2023. The birth rate for younger teens, aged 15-17, decreased from 8.7 in 2022 to 8.3 in 2023. The birth rate for older teens, aged 18-19, decreased from 40.7 in 2022 to 39.9 in 2023. Oklahoma’s teen birth rate (age 15-19) decreased significantly in the past decade, dropping from 38.5 in 2014 to 20.6 in 2023. Even so, the state had the 5th highest teen birth rate in 2022, ranked 46th among all states. [Birth rates are the number of births per 1,000 females of the same age range.]

Oklahoma’s teen birth numbers and rates decreased by 60% between 2010 and 2023, yet it remains among a handful of states with the highest teen birth rates in the nation. Bottom line: while other states have made adolescent health a major priority, investing in educational programs and access to reproductive health services that really work, Oklahoma has not allocated state funding for teen pregnancy prevention for two decades and reduced funding for public education has resulted in the loss of health programs.

Models of quality sexual health education programs and teen clinic services have been funded by federal initiatives, foundations, tribes and local sources. These efforts have been the catalyst behind Oklahoma’s success in dramatically reducing teen birth numbers and rates.

Community-wide adolescent sexual health initiatives in the Tulsa and Oklahoma City metro areas have led the way — expanding school-based health education programs, teen-friendly clinics and opportunities for youth and adults to be active partners in promoting good health and prevention. Ensuring that all young people, especially those at higher risk, have access to relevant sexual health education and services that address their developmental needs remains the overarching goal of these initiatives.

For downloadable factsheets, along with links to program information and effective local initiatives, check the Fast Facts and Resources sections of this website.