Teen birth rates reached a 40-year low in 2013, with a rate of 26.6 births per 1,000 for females aged 15 through 19 years.
Despite this progress, the United States continues to have the highest teen birth rate of any developed country.
Reduction in teen pregnancy rates remains a priority for multiple reasons.
The public cost of teen pregnancy amounted to $9.4 billion in 2010 alone .
Evidence shows both infants and their teenage mothers have increased risk of poorer health and well-being .