Trends in teen pregnancy rates from 1996-2006: A comparison of Canada, Sweden, U.S.A., and England/Wales

Abstract

This article summarizes and compares the most recent available data on ten-year teen birth/ abortion rates in Canada, Sweden, U.S.A., and England/Wales. From 1996 to 2005, the teen birth/abortion rate declined by 36.9% in Canada, 25% in the U.S,A, and 4.75% in England/Wales, and increased 19.1% in Sweden. In 2006, the lowest teen birth/abortion rate per 1,000 women aged 15-19 was in Canada (27.9) followed by Sweden (31.4), England/Wales (60.3), and the U.S.A. (61.2). With respect to teen birth rates, in 2006, Sweden (6.0), and Canada (13.7) had rates substantially lower than in England/ Wales (35.0) and the U.S.A. (41.9). Canadian interprovincia(/territorial differences in teen pregnancy rates, and percentage declines fronn 1996 to 2006, as well as declines among women aged 15-19, 20-24, and 25-29 are exannined. Potential factors contributing to trends in teen pregnancy rates are discussed. Acknowledgement: The authors would like to thank Anna Lindam, Social sty re I sen, The National Board of Health and Welfare, Sweden, for her assistance in locating Swedish data.