Teen Pregnancy Trend in Newfoundland and Labrador (1991-2023)

Teen pregnancy rates in Newfoundland and Labrador have seen a dramatic drop over the past three decades. In 1991, more than 11% of all live births in the province were to teenage mothers. By 2023, that figure had plummeted to just 2.3% — a staggering 75% decline.

This trend reflects shifting societal norms, expanded access to sexual health education, and stronger support systems for youth across the province.

Teen Births in Newfoundland and Labrador: A 30-Year View

In 1991, Newfoundland and Labrador reported 814 births to teen mothers, making up 11.4% of the province’s total births that year. By comparison, in 2023, that number dropped to just 73 teen births, or 2.3% of all births.

The Sharpest Declines

• From 1991 to 2000, teen births dropped from 814 to 393.
• Between 2010 and 2023, the number of teen births fell from 326 to just 73.
• The percentage of births to teen mothers decreased every decade:
  • 1990s: consistently over 8%
  • 2000s: stabilized around 6%
  • 2010s–2020s: fell below 3%

How Does Newfoundland and Labrador Compare Nationally?

While Newfoundland and Labrador had one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the early ’90s, it has now aligned with or fallen below national averages. In 2023, Canada’s national teen birth rate stood at 1.3%, and Newfoundland’s rate of 2.3% — though still higher — represents major progress.

Number of Live Births to Teen Mothers in Newfoundland and Labrador (19 Years or Younger):

Year	Total number of live births in province	Number of live births to teen mothers in province	Percentage of live births
1991	7,166	814	11.4%
1992	6,918	776	11.2%
1993	6,423	659	10.3%
1994	6,340	623	9.8%
1995	5,859	565	9.6%
1996	5,747	536	9.3%
1997	5,419	496	9.2%
1998	4,996	429	8.6%
1999	5,057	416	8.2%
2000	4,874	393	8.1%
2001	4,718	348	7.4%
2002	4,657	305	6.5%
2003	4,631	301	6.5%
2004	4,490	295	6.6%
2005	4,503	262	5.8%
2006	4,542	277	6.1%
2007	4,557	277	6.1%
2008	4,895	307	6.3%
2009	4,918	298	6.1%
2010	4,900	326	6.7%
2011	4,480	254	5.7%
2012	4,384	213	4.9%
2013	4,537	229	5.0%
2014	4,573	221	4.8%
2015	4,481	155	3.5%
2016	4,450	171	3.8%
2017	4,104	148	3.6%
2018	4,014	133	3.3%
2019	3,753	113	3.0%
2020	3,604	86	2.4%
2021	3,869	92	2.4%
2022	3,523	76	2.2%
2023	3,183	73	2.3%

Source:

Source Name:	Statistics Canada. Table 13-10-0416-01. Live births, by age of mother.
Source Link:	https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/cv.action?pid=1310041601
Release Date:	2024-09-25