Health care
BY HANNAH NORTON
Texas teen birth rate rose for first time in 15 years Teen fertility rates in Texas increased in 2022 for the first time in 15 years, according to a recent report from the University of Houston’s Institute for Research on Women, Gender & Sexuality. In September 2021, Texas banned abortions at about six weeks into a pregnancy, after a fetal heartbeat is detected. A closer look Texas’ overall fertility rate, or births per 1,000 women ages 15-44, rose by 2% in 2022. Teen birth rates increased by 0.39%, ending a 15-year period of declines. Rising teen fertility rates may impact young parents’ ability to get an education and secure higher-paying jobs, the report said. Other studies cited in the report show that high percentages of people who experience unplanned pregnancies are poor and have less access to contraception.
Postpartum Medicaid extended to 1 year Beginning March 1, low-income Texas mothers can receive Medicaid coverage for one year after childbirth. Texas women are currently eligible for two months of postpar- tum coverage. Medicaid covered nearly half of Texas births in 2022, according to data from the Kaiser Family Foundation. The details Women whose Medicaid coverage expired before March 1 will be re-enrolled automati- cally and receive coverage for 12 months after their pregnancy ended. Over 137,000 new parents will benefit from the extension, according to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Medicaid also covers checkups and other services for mothers and their children.
Texas fertility rates Rates may differ across races due to lack of access to contraception, inability to leave one’s state for an abortion and other factors. 2022 Fertility rate (births per 1,000 women ages 15-44) 2021
60.68
+2.04%
All races
61.92
66.82
+5.09%
Hispanic
70.22
54.49 53.98 55.68 55.99
Asian (non- Hispanic)
+0.94%
Black (non- Hispanic)
-0.55%
56.51
White (non- Hispanic)
-1.95%
55.41
SOURCE: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH ON WOMEN, GENDER & SEXUALITY/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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