LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -
A new report by the Guttmacher Institute shows most of the U.S. teen pregnancy numbers have been declining for a few decades, yet in Nevada they're actually up 5 percent.
The most recent data was collected in 2008 and shows New Mexico has the highest rate in the country. Nevada, Mississippi, Texas, Arkansas and Arizona rounded out the top six states for teen pregnancy. The silver state came in fourth on the list with 84 out of every 1,000 teens becoming pregnant.
Researcher Laura Lindberg said they're hoping the information reflects short-term fluctuations rather than long-term trends. The study shows more teens are using contraceptives and even opting for long-term methods like the IUD, which is a small T-shaped device that's inserted into the uterus. It has a low failure rate and lasts between five to 10 years depending on the type.
Other studies have shown more schools across America are involving contraception in sex education courses, however Clark County School District's program is abstinence based, which emphasizes that abstinence is the only 100 percent effective method for avoiding unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease. It does not cover contraception.
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