FAQ
The teen pregnancy rate in Alabama is calculated as the number of pregnancies occurring per 1,000 girls aged 10-19. Nationally, the rate is calculated in the population of girls aged 15-19.
The teen pregnancy rate refers to the number of pregnancies occurring in a specific population. The teen birth rate refers to the number of live births occurring in a specific population. The difference between the two rates is attributed to fetal loss (miscarriage) and abortion.
Alabama frequently ranks among the states with the highest teen pregnancy rates.
To find the most recent ranking, visit Power to Decide.
Also note, Alabama does not measure its teen pregnancy rate in the same way as the rest of the county. The Alabama Department of Public Health calculates teen pregnancy for 10-19 year old girls; nationally teen pregnancy is calculated for 15-19 year old girls. Be careful to use the correct age groups when comparing state and national data.
At the Alabama Campaign we believe comprehensive sexual health education is the best approach to achieve adolescent sexual health and to prevent unplanned teen pregnancy. Comprehensive sex education programs are medically-accurate, age appropriate, culturally relevant, inclusive, and trauma-informed.
If a comprehensive sex education program is not an option, the next best are evidence-based prevention programs. These programs have been rigorously evaluated and proven effective in changing behavior and reducing sexual risk-taking behavior among adolescents.
When taught in Alabama public schools, sex education must emphasize abstinence and must also include “statistics based on the latest medical information that indicate the degree of reliability...of various forms of contraception, while also emphasizing the increase in protection against pregnancy and protection against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV and AIDS infection, which is afforded by the use of various contraceptive measures.” In short, if sex ed is taught, you must talk about abstinence and safer sex practices.
You can get involved with adolescent sexual; health in many different ways. Most importantly, you should stay informed about the issue. You can sign up for the Alabama Campaign’s eNewsletter to receive news to your inbox each month. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter for daily news updates. You can advocate for comprehensive sex education with resources from our Advocacy page. You can also support the Alabama Campaign by making a financial gift. There are so many great ways to get involved!
Here are some other sites to help you get involved:
Advocates for Youth – Resources and Tools
Advocates for Youth – Let’s Talk Month
SIECUS - Sex Ed for All Month