Kentucky Continues to Grapple with High Teen Birth Rates

Advocates and community groups are stepping up to support young mothers who often struggle with access to education and healthcare

LEXINGTON. Ky. (ABC 36 News Now) – Kentucky continues to face one of the highest teen birth rates in the country — but local advocates say hope is growing as more young mothers gain access to education, healthcare, and support networks. When Brittany Sutton discovered she was pregnant at 15, she says she had no idea where to turn.
“I had him at 16 but I was clueless. I was young, didn’t have any direction,” Sutton said. “When I got into Step by Step, they really just led me — that’s how I became who I am because of them. I remember not even having formula for my baby because I couldn’t work and go to school, and they provided it for me. There were many times I felt lost and didn’t know what to do… they taught me how to be a mom and who I am today.” Now a mother of two, Sutton works as a mentor at Step by Step — a Lexington nonprofit that supports young women navigating early parenthood.

Kentucky currently ranks fourth in the nation for teen births, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Stephanie Stockburger, who leads the University of Kentucky’s Adolescent Medicine program, says a patchwork approach to sexual education and healthcare has long contributed to the state’s challenges.
“With higher teen birth rates, it’s less comprehensive,” said Dr. Stockburger. “Parents have to opt in to sex education instead of opting out. Other factors — poverty, lower income, adverse childhood experiences, lack of access to healthcare or health insurance — are all major barriers to prevention.”
She adds that prevention begins within families by creating openness and connection. “Talking openly — sexual experiences are normal, part of being human — and we want people to be safe and happy and make wise choices,” she said. “Having community programs and positive mentors also plays a huge role in preventing teen pregnancy.”

That sense of community is exactly what Rita Thompson is working to foster in Georgetown. Thompson co-founded the Not Alone Pregnancy Center, where young mothers can receive baby supplies, formula, car seats — and a compassionate ear. “We are in the top category of things we really wish we weren’t,” Thompson said. “Maybe if we got proper education and they knew where to get better healthcare and better knowledge for their futures, that could change.”

According to 2020 CDC data, Christian and Powell counties recorded the state’s highest teen birth rates — 55 and 52 per 1,000 teens, respectively. Grassroots organizations like Step by Step and Not Alone show how local communities can make tangible differences by surrounding young mothers with stability and friendship.

“A lot of our young moms don’t have people they can rely on,” said Tanya Torp of Step by Step. “They’re often going through everything alone. We help them build relationships that are strong and healthy — friendships that can support them. Maybe one works first shift and the other works third shift,” she added. “They’ll babysit for one another, share responsibilities, and call each other during hard times.”

Ten years after first walking through the doors of Step by Step, Brittany Sutton is now helping other young women find their own way and paying forward using her journey to help guide others through theirs and showing how that support can change everything.