In 2005, the overall teen birth rate increased for the first time since 1990.  This increase occurred among nearly all racial/ethnic groups and was 2% among Latino teens.  Data through 2007 indicate that the overall teen birth rate continued to increase from 2006 to 2007.  However, among Latina teens, the birth rate actually decreased.  Despite this recent decrease, Latino teen birth and pregnancy rates are almost twice the national average and have declined about half as fast as national rates. At present, The National Campaign estimates that 52% of Latinas will become pregnant at least once by age 20 - compared to nearly 3 in 10 teen girls overall. In addition, a new summary analysis of existing data prepared by The National Campaign shows that the birth rate among Latinas aged 15-19 increased in 18 of 37 reporting states and the District of Columbia between 1990 and 2006.

For these reasons and others, The National Campaign’s Latino Initiative continues to focus on helping the Latino community in its efforts to reduce continued high rates of adolescent pregnancy and childbearing.

To contribute to the efforts of the Latino Initiative, visit our donation page. You will be able to specify the amount of money you would like to donate to the Latino Initiative under the 'Available Programs' list.

For more information on the Latino Initiative, please contact Ruthie Flores, Senior Manager, Latino Initiative, at 202-478-8504.

The National Campaign would like to offer our sincere thanks to the generous sponsors of the Latino Initiative. Special thanks to The Summit Fund of Washington, The Turner Foundation, The Abbott Fund, The Achelis Foundation, and The California Wellness Foundation.

Thanks to generous donations received from The California Wellness Foundation and The Achelis and Bodman Foundations, the Latino Initiative recently launched a pregnancy prevention digital media project focusing on reducing teen pregnancy and birth rates among Latino youths.