Revealed: The teen pregnancy map of the U.S. where girls in New Mexico are three times more likely to conceive than those in New Hampshire

Report shows teen pregnancy rate from 2005-2008 dropped 5 per cent or more in 7 states, while rising 5 per cent or more in 16 states

Teen pregnancies overall have reached a 40-year low



Data collected is from 2008, the most current figures available



A new report has revealed that New Mexico has the highest teen pregnancy rate among U.S. states, with 9.3 per cent of births and abortions occurring between 15-19-year-olds.



The lowest rate was reported in New Hampshire, with 3.3 per cent, according to the report from the Guttmacher Institute in New York.



The data collected is from 2008 - the most current figures available.

Geographic data: This map shows the state trends in rates of teen pregnancy per 1,000 teens

Facts and figures: Teen pregnancy rates have declined in all 50 states between 1988 and 2005, but in more recent years, the rate decreased by 5 per cent or more in seven states, while increasing by 5 per cent or more in 16 states

New Mexico was followed by Mississippi, Texas, Nevada and Arkansas.

The Guttmacher Institute says in its report that teen pregnancy rates have declined in all 50 states between 1988 and 2005, but in more recent years, the rate decreased by 5 per cent or more in seven states, while increasing by 5 per cent or more in 16 states.

While some of the figures may appear alarming, they are a part of a trend that appears to show teen pregnancy overall is dropping - mostly due to the use of contraceptives.

Trends: While some of the figures may appear alarming, teen pregnancy overall appears to be dropping - mostly due to the use of contraceptives

Livescience reported earlier this month that nationwide figures on teen pregnancy have hit a 40-year low.

Guttmacher senior researcher Laura Lindberg said in a statement: 'There are a few key factors driving the long-term declines in teen pregnancies.



'It is now the norm for teens to use contraceptives at first sex, which creates a pattern of continued contraceptive use down the road.



'Additionally, teens increasingly use the most effective methods, including hormonal methods and long-acting contraceptive methods like the IUD. By contrast, there has been less change in teens' levels of sexual activity.'

The pregnancy rates included any children who may not have been born due to abortions or stillbirths.



The institute admits that race and ethnicity in regard to teen pregnancy was difficult to measure, because some states do not or could not provide the data.



According to the report, the estimates of pregnancy rates among white teens were available for 20 states, the figures among black teens for 27 states and the rates among Hispanic teens for 21 states.

