MOSES LAKE — According to a study conducted by BadCredit.org, an organization that studies issues impacting credit ratings, teen pregnancies in Grant and Adams Counties are down significantly over the past five years with Adams County seeing an 18% reduction in the number of teens getting pregnant and Grant declining 12% over that same period.  

“It’s tough to get out of financial difficulties if you start at a disadvantage, like having a child during your teenage years,” said Jon McDonald, senior editor at BadCredit.org in a press release announcing the results of the study. “There’s no question that more access to sex education, healthcare and contraception can really help counter the number of teen pregnancies, and in turn, this can help young people get off to a better start in their future life and career, and hopefully a stronger financial future.” 

Statewide Washington saw a 5% drop in teen births over the last five years, making the Evergreen State 39th overall nationwide. Nationally, teen birth data shows that, overall, the number of teen births nationwide has dropped by six births per 1,000 people over the timeframe examined. Analysts believe health messaging is getting through to younger people with a significant example being Brooks, Texas, from 88 births per 1,000 people to 36 per 1,000. Better sex education programs and access to contraceptives are believed to be a significant factor in that example.  

Having a child as a teen has long-term effects, especially on financial aspects of life, the announcement said. A teen pregnancy can have a significant negative impact on education which can in turn limit earning potential.  

For more information on the study, visit https://bit.ly/TEENPREG.