Hispanic Community Carries Highest Teen Pregnancy Rate in U.S.: CDC

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released figures Tuesday regarding teenage pregnancies, which have been much higher among Hispanics. 

"This month's edition of Vital signs found that in 2012 more than 86,000 babies were born to teenagers between 15 and 17 years of age," said Carla Garlindo of the CDC, via Efe.

The report indicates that one in four teen births in the United States occurs in girls between the ages of 15 and 17. Despite efforts at pregnancy prevention, girls 15 to 17 are typically delivering 1,700 babies per week, according to latino.foxnews.com.

In 2012, it's estimated that the birth rate per 1,000 teenagers 15 to 17 was 25.5 percent among Hispanics, 21.9 percent among non-Hispanic blacks, 17 percent among American Indian/Alaska Natives, 8.4 percent among non-Hispanic whites and 4.1 percent among Asian/Pacific Islanders.

"There have been noted declines in births to teens, and that's good news," Ileana Arias, principal deputy director of the CDC, said during a noon news conference, according to Medical Xpress. "However, we can't be complacent when we hear about these declines. We still need to make more progress in reducing health disparities and the public health burden related to teen pregnancies and births. Younger teens still account for one in four teen births." 

For many teens, an early pregnancy could harm chances at finishing high school, going to college or dreams of a future career.

"The young teen years are a critical time when a teen, especially a young woman, could jeopardize her future if she cannot complete high school or go to college," added Arias, via the Medical Xpress.

As May marks the month of Teen Pregnancy Prevention, health authorities push for promoting awareness and prevention among young people.