Image courtesy Canva

The teen birth rate in the United States has fallen sharply over the past three decades, but education and economic gaps remain for young mothers.

According to the 2025 KIDS COUNT Data Book, the national teen birth rate dropped to 13 births per 1,000 females ages 15–19 in 2023, a 73% decline from 60 per 1,000 in 1990. Experts credit expanded access to contraception, education and family planning.

However, research shows teen mothers are far less likely to finish high school or earn college degrees. About half earn a diploma by age 22, compared with roughly 90% of women who did not give birth as teens.

In Kansas, the teen birth rate was slightly higher at 15.1 per 1,000 in 2023. The state’s overall fertility rate was 59.5 per 1,000 women ages 15–44. Kansas reported an infant mortality rate just over 5 per 1,000 live births and a life expectancy of 76 years.

Health officials say continued investment in education, reproductive health services and support for young parents remains critical.