Socioeconomic Characteristics of Teen Childbearing Vary from Public Opinion

November 19, 2009 - A new fact sheet released by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy shows that, contrary to public opinion, teen parents are not a monolithic group.  It is widely believed that teen childbearing is, by and large, limited to teens below the federal poverty level and that live in a single-parent home.  For instance, according to a 2009 public opinion polling data, 72% of adults with household incomes of $25,000 or less and 66% with incomes of 75,000 or more believe teen moms are from homes below the poverty level.  In addition, most adults (70%), regardless of race or household income, believe that teen mothers are the product of single-parent home. 

This fact sheet paints a different picture.  According to National Campaign survey findings, the prevalence of teen childbearing in the United States is simply too high to be limited to a particular income group or family structure.  Survey results show, for example, that nearly 4 in 10 (39%) of respondents who reported ever having given birth or fathered a child as a teen were living with two biological or adoptive parents prior to the birth.  An additional 19% reported living with one biological and one step parent.  Furthermore, among respondents who ever had a teen birth, the largest share (41%) lived in families whose income before the birth was greater than or equal to 200% of the federal poverty threshold.  It is important to note, however, that the annual income of a family of four, for example, at 200% of the federal poverty level is $42,200.

The fact sheet cautions, however, that a disproportionate number of teen parents are from households with incomes either below poverty or just above poverty, as well as from homes lacking one or both parents.  Therefore, family income and structure remain important risk factors associated with teen childbearing. 

These results suggest both reason for concern as well as targets of opportunity, and that efforts to prevent teen pregnancy and childbearing are important for all teens, regardless of their socioeconomic background.  The fact sheet also communicates the need for all parents, community leaders, practitioners and policymakers to be involved with this effort. 

Source: "Science Says 41: Socio-Economic and Family Characteristics of Teen Childbearing," The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, September 2009.