Facts about Teen Pregnancy and teen birth in Rochester
Between 2010 and 2020, Rochester teen birth rates declined by 56%. This positive health trend is due to several factors: increased youth access to reproductive health care, more sexuality education in our schools and youth programs, peer leadership programs and informative media campaigns.
However, the problem is not solved. In the City of Rochester, about 3% of girls, ages 15 to 19, gave birth in 2020; down from about 13% in 1990. (Monroe County Dept. of Public Health)
Substantial progress:
56% Decline in teen birth rates 2010 - 2020.
Substantial Progress Since 2010
56% Decline in Rochester Teen Birth Rates 2010 to 2020
The teen birth rate in Rochester is still about twice the national rate, and three times the rate in NYS. The rate of teen birth in Rochester is 7 times the rate in Monroe County towns and suburbs.
In 2020, 195 teen girls (ages 15-19) gave birth in the City of Rochester, a rate of 29 births per 1,000 girls. In 2025, these 195 babies, if grouped together, would fill 11 kindergarten classrooms. 7% of all the babies born in Rochester in 2020 were born to teens.
According to youth responses to the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (administered in RCSD high schools), 25% of students have had sexual intercourse. This figure has been consistently declining since 2015. In 2015, 43% of students reported having sexual intercourse.
According to the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 48% of sexually active youth said they had used a condom the last time that had sex.
In 2015, NY saved $320 million due to declining teen birth rates. (Power to Decide)
Teen parents obtain less education than their peers; and the children of teen parents face more academic, behavioral and health challenges, compared to children born to older parents.
European countries have significantly lower incidences of teen pregnancy, births, abortions, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). These countries fund sexuality education and reproductive health services for adolescents. Contraception is available. Creative social marketing campaigns promote condom use and other healthy behaviors.
