Fewer teenage girls are getting pregnant in Ohio, according to state Health Department statistics. The rate of teen pregnancies in the state has dropped for the fourth year in a row, and the number of pregnancies involving mothers 19 and under is the lowest since 1990.
That is good news, of course. Often, teenagers simply are not ready to be mothers. Having children is a problem for them and their offspring.
Though definite progress is being made statewide, the local situation is mixed. In Turmbull and Mahoning counties, teen pregnancy rates are down in some specific age ranges and up in others. Overall, though, from 2008 to 2010 rates are down.
State officials say one reason for the decrease in general is that many teenagers are becoming more responsible. Almost undoubtedly, that is because of education campaigns. More effective ones targeting specific age groups in Trumbull and Mahoning counties may be needed to bring all teens into line with progress being recorded throughout Ohio.