Teen Pregnancy Rates in Indian Country Still Too High

A recent report from the National Institutes of Health warns of increased teen pregnancy among American Indian youth. The 15% increase over ten years puts American Indian teen pregnancy at the highest levels in recent history.

American Indian teens are nearly two and a half times more likely to become pregnant before reaching their 18th birthday, a number that worries experts. AIDS has in recent years become a major problem in Indian Country, and experts worry that they have seen only the tip of the iceberg.

One high point for American Indians in the report – death in birth are amongst the lowest rates of any ethnic group, which the reports credit Indian Health Services. Unfortunately, that good news is overshadowed by the nearly three times higher rate of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) of national average.

The decline in use of condoms among teens worries tribal leaders and health experts. They worry that with reported AIDS cases rising in an ethnic group that has traditionally under reported AIDS cases means the deadly virus could spread far wider.

NIH experts recommend that American Indian tribes, especially those who have found themselves in better economic conditions, concentrate on increasing awareness of condoms and on abstinence programs. In addition, they recommend that tribes also educate new parents on SIDS and on regular checkups for newborns.