Steep declines in birth rates among Hispanic and black teens has lead the overall rate across the nation to drop an all-time low, according to a new analysis from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The rate among Hispanic teens aged 15-19 dropped 51 percent from 2006 to 2014, and 44 percent among black teens, CDC researchers reported. Overall, births to American teens have dropped more than 40 percent.

The declines were not found in every state, though Maryland’s rates mirrored the nation, with drops close to 50 percent among Hispanics, blacks, whites and overall.

Nationally significant disparities remained among the number of babies born to whites compared with black and Hispanic teens. The highest rates were clustered in southern and southwestern states.


“The United States has made remarkable progress in reducing both teen pregnancy and racial and ethnic differences, but the reality is, too many American teens are still having babies,” said Dr. Tom Frieden, CDC director, in a statement. “By better understanding the many factors that contribute to teen pregnancy we can better design, implement, evaluate, and improve prevention interventions and further reduce disparities.”

The CDC also reported that research shows the cost to U.S. taxpayers from teen pregnancy and childbirth is estimated at $9 billion a year. To reduce the rates, public health officials have been concentrating on community-level programs. That includes reproductive health services such as contraception.