The rate of teen pregnancy in Canada is some of the highest in the western world, third only to that of the United States and United Kingdom. In 1994, nearly 50,000 pregnancies were reported with mothers between the ages of 15 and 19. Out of this number, around 21,000 women chose abortion and 2,000 were stillborn or miscarried; 24,700 carried the pregnancy full-term.



Since 1994, however, the number of teen pregnancies in Canada was been on the decline. In 2003, 33,553 pregnancies were reported by adolescent mothers including those that chose abortion, miscarried, and carried full term. Among the highest age group for teen pregnancy is between the ages of 18-19, however, studies have show that the majority of pregnancies within this age group were planned.

Teen pregnancy has also seen a shift in numbers since the 1970's. In 1974, 60% of teen pregnancies were carried full term, and only 26% in abortion, with 8% in miscarriage. Twenty years later, however, the numbers have drastically changed; 45% of teen pregnancies now end in abortion with 51% carrying full term. Teens actually represented 20% of the total number of abortions in Canada and only 6% represented the number of live births.

The rates of teen pregnancy also vary greatly among the territories and provinces; in 1994, the Northwest Territories experienced the greatest number of pregnancies to adolescents with 137 per 1,000 women between the ages of 15-19. The Yukon recorded 88 pregnancies out of 1,000 women while all the way to the east, Quebec consistently has the lowest numbers with less than 30 out of 1,000.

Canada has realized that the teen pregnancy epidemic must get under control and they have begun to take many cues from the Netherlands. The Netherlands has the lowest rate of teen pregnancy throughout the western world and it is thought that sex education, access to contraceptives, participation by parents, and open discussion about sexuality are what help to keep rates low.

With open communication and determination teen pregnancy doesn't have to continue to be on the rise. Parents and the community must take an active role in educating children not only about teen pregnancy, but the risks of other sexually transmitted diseases. The best way to tackle the subject is starting at home; open communication is the key to an honest relationship. Taking an active role in your child's life is the best place to start.