February 2, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ana Sandoval, PPAC Communications, 916.446.5247

California’s Teen Birth Rate reaches record setting low

California's teen birth rates continued their steady decline, reaching record lows in 2009, according to a recent report from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Data released by CDPH reveals that the rate declined from 35.2 births for every 1,000 teens in 2008 to 32.1 in 2009.

For the past two decades, California has made great strides in reducing the rates of teen pregnancy by investing in family planning and education programs. Planned Parenthood, one of the state’s largest providers of preventive health care services, believes that access to comprehensive sex education, including abstinence, access to family planning and teen pregnancy prevention programs are key components that led to the steady decline in teen birth rates.

“Planned Parenthood of California is a leader in advocating for policies intended to reduce teen pregnancy through prevention and open family communication," said Kathy Kneer, President and CEO of PPAC. "Planned Parenthood's 100 health centers across the state offer programs for teens and their parents to help families promote healthy decision making.

"But our work is not done," Kneer continued. "California's continued success in reducing teen pregnancy and birth rates requires an ongoing commitment to family planning programs and comprehensive sex education."

Copies of the CDPH report can be found on the department web site at http://www.cdph.ca.gov/

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Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California (PPAC) is the state public policy office representing California’s eight separately incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates. Through advocacy and electoral action, PPAC promotes sound public policy in areas of reproductive health care, family planning and comprehensive sex education.