By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Low Teen Birth Rates and Universal Health Care
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Policy & Law > Public Health > Low Teen Birth Rates and Universal Health Care
Public Health

Low Teen Birth Rates and Universal Health Care

DavidEWilliams
DavidEWilliams
Share
2 Min Read
Image
SHARE

Image

Image

The Boston Globe published a graph showing that Massachusetts’ birth rate for mothers aged 15-19 is 17.1 per thousand compared with a nationwide average of 34.2. They didn’t mention where we stand against other states but a review of CDC data indicates that only our neighbor, New Hampshire has a lower rate. Vermont and Connecticut are also low. The highest rates of more than 50 per thousand are found in Mississippi, Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma.

I’ll let others speculate on the causes of these disparities in birth rates. But I will say that having a low teen birth rate is a blessing for Massachusetts and indirectly allows the state to afford universal health care. Instead of having babies and often ending their formal education, women in Massachusetts are staying in school longer and ending up with higher levels of educational attainment. Boys/men also have a greater opportunity to stay in school when they are not burdened with paying for a child’s upbringing.

More Read

Antibiotics
Antibiotics: Just What the Doctor (Shouldn’t Have) Ordered
PSA screening: Does It or Doesn’t It?
Ruminations on Walking
The Incidence Of Kidney Failure Due To Diabetes Is Down – But We Should Not Be Pleased
World Obesity on the Rise

A population with more education attracts employers who pay higher wages. And these higher wages enable employers to offer health insurance and state governments to raise tax revenue that can be spent on education, health care and public health. It’s a virtuous circle.

Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Connecticut are also in the top 10 states in terms of percentage of residents with health insurance. Of the states with a high birth rate, they all rate 36th or lower.

image: pregnancy/shutterstock

 

TAGGED:teen birth rates
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

Epidemiological Health Benefits
Personal and Epidemiological Health Benefits of Blood Pressure Management
Health
October 13, 2025
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries: What Families Need to Know
Policy & Law
October 10, 2025
Remote Monitoring touchpoints
Remote Monitoring Touchpoints Patients Will Actually Follow
Technology
October 9, 2025
dental care
Importance of Good Dental Care for Health and Confidence
Dental health Specialties
October 2, 2025

You Might also Like

Embracing Change for Healthcare Transformation

March 17, 2013

New Mesothelioma Treatment Approved: Here’s What To Know About It

September 14, 2019
health reform
Health ReformPolicy & LawPublic Health

What Paul Krugman Doesn’t Know About Health Reform

June 4, 2013
healthcare expert
Health ReformNewsPolicy & LawPublic Health

Health Wonk Review: The Week’s Healthcare News

March 15, 2013
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?