2021 Minnesota Adolescent Sexual Health Report

Abstract

This report details the sexual health of Minnesota’s youth. Teen pregnancy and birth rates remain virtually unchanged from 2018. From 1990 to 2019, the teen pregnancy rate among 15 to 19 year olds decreased by over 76%. The teen birth rate decreased by over 72% in that same period. Young people should be commended for making safe and informed choices about their sexual health. Despite the improvements, many challenges remain. Sexually transmitted infections continue at high rates with gonorrhea rates at an all-time high. Disparities by geography and race/ethnicity persist. It remains to be seen how the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has affected adolescent sexual health; this report examines how adolescent healthcare providers and sexual health educators in Minnesota modified their approaches during the pandemic. In response to the data outlined in this report, the following are recommendations from the University of Minnesota Healthy Youth Development – Prevention Research Center (PRC).