The U.S. is seeing a drastic decline in the teenage birth rate. According to Pew research, the teen birth rate is dropping in record numbers, below 18 births per 1 thousand teenage girls and women between the ages of 15 to 19. But why is the birth rate declining so rapidly?
Michele Adams, Associate Professor, Sociology Department at Tulane says for one, there is more awareness.
"I just think it's safer sex, there is more awareness of contraceptives, contraceptives are more readily available," Adams said.
But she says she doesn't think they are having sex any less but there are more occupational opportunities available to them when they graduate, so getting married, having babies and raising a family have all been delayed so they can pursue their career.
"I would also say the expanded opportunities for women to get continued education and further education," Adams noted. "Young women are more aware and more inclined to get higher education and careers."
