Fact Check: "United States have highest rate of teen pregnancy rate of high income countries"
What We Know
The claim that the United States has the highest teen pregnancy rate among high-income countries is supported by multiple sources. According to the CDC, while the U.S. teen birth rate has been declining, it remains higher than that of many other high-income nations. The CDC reported that the U.S. teen birth rate was approximately 14 births per 1,000 females aged 15-19 in 2021, which is significantly higher than rates in other developed countries.
A report from the Congressional Research Service also confirms that despite substantial declines in the U.S. teen birth rate over the years, it continues to exceed those of comparable high-income countries. Furthermore, data from the Guttmacher Institute indicates that the U.S. has historically had higher rates of adolescent pregnancy compared to other developed nations, with a notable peak in the early 1990s.
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim is robust, with data from reputable sources such as the CDC and the Congressional Research Service. The CDC's findings highlight that while the teen birth rate has decreased by 78% from its peak in 1991, it still remains higher than in many other high-income countries, indicating a persistent issue despite overall improvements in rates (CDC, 2021) [source-1].
The Congressional Research Service further elaborates on this by comparing U.S. rates with those of other high-income nations, reinforcing the assertion that the U.S. holds the highest rate among its peers (Congressional Research Service, 2025) [source-2].
However, it is important to consider the context of these statistics. Variations in teen birth rates can be influenced by a range of factors, including socioeconomic conditions, access to education and healthcare, and cultural attitudes toward teen sexuality and contraception. For instance, the disparities in teen birth rates across different racial and ethnic groups in the U.S. highlight the complexities of this issue (CDC, 2021) [source-1].
While the sources cited are credible, it is essential to acknowledge that there may be some bias in how data is collected and reported across different countries. For example, definitions of "teen pregnancy" and the methods of reporting can vary, which may affect international comparisons. Nonetheless, the consensus from the available data strongly supports the claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the United States has the highest rate of teen pregnancy among high-income countries is accurate based on reliable data from the CDC and other reputable sources. Despite a significant decline in teen birth rates over the past few decades, the U.S. still leads in this statistic compared to its high-income peers, indicating ongoing challenges in addressing adolescent pregnancy.
Sources
- About Teen Pregnancy | Reproductive Health
- Teen Births in the United States: Overview and Recent Trends
- Data and Statistics on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health
- Teen Births in the United States: Overview and Recent Trends
- Adolescent pregnancy
- Prevalence of teenage pregnancy
- Teenage Pregnancy Rates by Country 2025
- Adolescent Pregnancy and Its Outcomes Across Countries
