Why a State Plan?

In the summer of 2000, a Task Force of state agency, community-based organizations, University staff and youth workers determined the need for a cohesive action plan to prevent teen pregnancy.

The purpose of the action plan is to guide all Minnesotan's efforts to prevent teen pregnancy in a comprehensive, culturally responsible way and to increase opportunities in teen's lives so they can reach adulthood pregnancy-free.

The plan's recommended intervention strategies focus on addressing the disparities in pregnancy rates between youth of color and white teens, as well as the issues that face teen parents and their children.

The work of the Task Force continues to ensure progress on the State Plan.

Minnesota Statistics

• Each day in Minnesota in 2000, 21 teens between 10 and 19 years of age became pregnant.
• The combined 1998-2000 pregnancy rate for girls 15-19 in Minnesota was 43 pregnancies per 1,000 girls ­ one of the lowest overall pregnancy rates in the nation.
• Between 1990 and 2000, the pregnancy rate for 15-17 year old girls in Minnesota declined 35%, from 34 to 22 pregnancies per 1000 15-17 year old girls.
• In 2000, the rate of pregnancy among African American girls age 15-19 in Minnesota was 162 per 1,000 girls ­ ranking Minnesota one of the highest in the nation. The rate for Latino girls in Minnesota was 123 per 1000; for American Indian, 131 per 1000; for Asian girls, 71 per 1000 and for white girls, 30 per 1000.