RBC I Colorado’s teen birth rate has been cut nearly in half during the first five years of the Colorado Family Planning Initiative.
According to new data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the birth rate and abortion rate for women ages 15-19 fell 48 percent from 2009 through 2014. Previous 2009-2013 data showed a 40 percent drop in teen births and a 35 percent decline in teen abortions.
“This initiative continues to prove its effectiveness,” said Dr. Larry Wolk, health department executive director and chief medical officer. “Thousands of low-income Colorado women now are able to pursue their dreams of higher education and a good career and choose when and whether to start a family.”
Three of four teen pregnancies in Colorado are unintended.
