There has been a sharp decline in the rate of child births to teenagers over the past 30 years. This has led to less child poverty and an increase in the opportunity for young girls to prepare for educational advancement rather than to spend their time on maternal duties.
In fact, the decline has been accelerating. According to the New York Times, teen births fell by 20% in the 1990s, 28% in the 2000s and 55% in the 2010s. The overall decline has been 77% since 1991. According to the data, 30 years ago, nearly 25% of 15-year-old Black or Hispanic girls became pregnant before becoming 20 years old.
One of the most expensive commitments any couple can make is to become parents. Publicity of expanded economic opportunities for educated women has induced many teenage girls to postpone maternity. Time will tell whether more limited access to abortions will adversely influence this trend in the age rate for maternity.
The next beneficial policy to encourage maternity at an adult age is for American corporations to provide periods of paid parental leave.
