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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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5

Mississippi Has Most Teen Pregnancies

State passes Texas and New Mexico in nationwide uptick

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(Newser) – Mississippi has the highest rate of teen pregnancy in the US, the AP reports. Some 68 Mississippi women out of 1,000 aged 15-19 got pregnant in 2006—the most recent year for which data are available, and in which the US rate rose for the first time in 15 years—says a CDC report released today. That’s 60% higher than the national average of 42 out of 1,000.

Texas and New Mexico were runners-up, with 64 and 63 teen pregnancies out of 1,000, respectively. The report shows the increase to be spread across the country, with the rate rising in 26 states. Some cite more federal funding for abstinence-only programs for the surge, to a chorus of disagreement; education, economics, and even glamorized celebrity pregnancies are also blamed.

Performers in the Fourth of July Horribles Parade in Beverly, Mass., spoof the spike in teen pregnancies in Gloucester, Mass., by dressing in costumes that make them appear pregnant.
Performers in the Fourth of July Horribles Parade in Beverly, Mass., spoof the spike in teen pregnancies in Gloucester, Mass., by dressing in costumes that make them appear pregnant.   (AP Photo)
Mississippi now has the nation's highest teen pregnancy rate according to a CDC report released today.
Mississippi now has the nation's highest teen pregnancy rate according to a CDC report released today.   (Index Stock)
Mississippi now has the nation's highest teen pregnancy rate according to a CDC report released today.
Mississippi now has the nation's highest teen pregnancy rate according to a CDC report released today.   (Index Stock)
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5 comments
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Thinker
Jan 7, 09 1:20 PM CST
God is blessing them because they love God and America the most! Reply
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lrm
Jan 7, 09 3:31 PM CST
Umm...no. Abstinence only education is a joke! Reply
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Shannonals
Jan 8, 09 3:44 PM CST
The fact that their is a running scoreboard of which states has the highest rates is saddening. Reply
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vendetta
Jan 9, 09 7:10 AM CST
This country needs to get religion out of government and out of the schools. Its a disease. Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
atris999
Jan 9, 09 12:26 PM CST
Well said, vendetta!
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