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CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — Teen birth rates fell in Wyoming for the fifth consecutive year, but still remain higher than the national rate.
A report released by the Wyoming Department of Health shows 34.6 births per 1,000 girls ages 15-19 in the state. The number had been as high as 50.1 births in 2007. The national rate is 29.4 births per 1,000 for girls the same age.
Wyoming health officials attribute the decline at the state level to improvements in teens' access to reproductive services and education.
Ashley Busacker is senior epidemiology adviser for maternal and child health at the Wyoming Department of Health.
Busacker tells the Casper Star-Tribune (http://bit.ly/1qWFJZq) that awareness and education about reproductive health services are critical to reducing the rate.
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Information from: Casper (Wyo.) Star-Tribune, http://www.trib.com
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