Study: Teen birth rate highest in rural areas

The teen birth rate in rural areas of the United States is nearly one-third greater than in other parts of the country, according to a new study.

The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy found declining teen birth rates across the country have been slower to take effect in rural counties.

Between 1990-2010, the group reported Thursday, the rural teen birth rate declined by 32 percent compared with 49 percent in urban areas and 40 percent in U.S. suburbs. 

Study authors promised to investigate further the reasons for these gaps, including the "unique challenges" facing rural teens.

"There are many factors that may account for the significant and growing disparity in teen birth rates across the rural/urban continuum, including differences in economic wellbeing and opportunity, service availability and more," the report stated.

The National Campaign worked with data from the Centers for Disease Control, and concluded that teen birth rates are higher in rural areas regardless of age or ethnicity.

“Clearly the need for efforts to help rural teens avoid too-early pregnancy and parenthood is great," said the group's CEO, Sarah Brown, in a statement.

Read the report here.

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