Fewer Oklahoma teens having babies, health officials say

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Oklahoma's teen pregnancy rate has declined in recent years, but health officials say the state still has the nation's eighth-highest teen pregnancy rate.<br/><br/>A national

Tuesday, May 31st 2005, 6:25 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Oklahoma's teen pregnancy rate has declined in recent years, but health officials say the state still has the nation's eighth-highest teen pregnancy rate.

A national report shows that 8,000 babies were born in 1991 to Oklahoma females between 15 and 20. That number now is down to less than 7,000 a year.

Teen pregnancy expert Terry Dennison says more Oklahoma teens are waiting longer before having sex and are using more reliable birth control methods.

She says an emphasis on sexual education and increased access to family-planning services are important in keeping teen pregnancy numbers down.