Despite a decline in birth rates among teenages in Los Angeles County and California, the numbers in Santa Clarita are expected to increase.

“Based on Santa Clarita Valley projected growth studies,” said Angela Bennet, CEO of the Santa Clarita Valley Pregnancy Center, “We estimated approximately 410 births to unmarried 15-24-year-olds in 2010 and project about a 10 percent increase by 2015.”

The statistics in the Santa Clarita Valley are projected, because the state does not measure teenage births by city for the sake of confidentiality, Bennet said.

The Santa Clarita Valley Pregnancy Center calculated their estimates based on averages using statistics provided by the Center For Disease Control, and then applied those Santa Clarita demographics and projections.

“The Santa Clarita Valley Pregnancy Center Provides information, education and practical assistance to those who are facing pregnancy-related decisions,” Bennet said.

Center officials estimate that there were approximately 410 births in 2010 for females 15-24-years-old in Santa Clarita.The total number of pregnancies for this age range is estimated to increase to 553 pregnant high school and college aged unmarried females by 2015.

The teenage birth rate in Los Angeles County in 2011 was 28.8 per one thousand among females aged 15-19, which was just slightly above the California average of 28, according to the California Department of Public Health.

“California’s innovative strategies and community partnerships aimed at lowering teen pregnancy are helping young women and men make responsible choices,” said Dr. Ron Chapman, director of the CDPH.

The decline in teen birth rates between 2010 and 2011 resulted in 1,335 fewer births among teens 15-17 years old and 3,639 fewer births among teens 18-19 years old. These 4,974 fewer teen births saved California taxpayers approximately $149 million.

“We must not be complacent; we must continue to promote teen pregnancy prevention programs and strategies in all communities,” Chapman said.

In 2011, there were 38,328 teen births in California. The rate is the lowest since 1991, when it peaked at 70.9 per one thousand.

– David Mariuz