Pregnancy rates among 15– to 19–year–olds in Minnesota are down nearly 70 percent since 1990 and birth rates have followed suit, according to a new report.

However, the 2017 Minnesota Adolescent Sexual Health Report from the University of Minnesota Healthy Youth Development – Prevention Research Center (HYD – PRC) shows teen rates of gonorrhea are up 40 percent and chlamydia up 15 percent.

“This report is a testament to the wise and healthy decisions young people are making about their sexual health,” said Jill Farris, director of adolescent sexual health training and education for HYD – PRC. “Dramatic declines in pregnancy rates among Minnesota’s adolescents, including youth of color, are an encouraging sign. However, pregnancy and birth rates still disproportionately impact youth from communities of color and those in greater Minnesota.”

Notably, every day in 2015, about nine Minnesota teens became pregnant and seven gave birth. The 10 counties with the highest birth rates were all outside of the metro area with the highest rates found in north central and south central Minnesota.

However, unlike pregnancy and birth rates, sexually transmitted infections (STI) are more prevalent in the metro area. Even though teens account for just 7 percent of the Minnesota’s population, they account for 28 percent of chlamydia cases and 18 percent of gonorrhea cases.

“The increasing rates of STIs among Minnesota youth is also concerning,” said Farris. “Youth are talking with their partners more about preventing pregnancy and STIs, yet the rate of condom use is declining. Agencies and adults who work with youth must continue to improve their services to meet the unique needs of Minnesota teens.”

The report suggests Minnesota’s current programs and policies inadequately support needs of adolescent parents and their children. It recommends the state address social determinants of health, like education, employment, income, and housing which would help young parents, while improving access to sexual health resources especially for communities of color and teens in greater Minnesota.

To read the full report, including individualized sections for each of Minnesota’s 87 counties, visit http://z.umn.edu/ashr2017.