Bristol Palin's Cameo Role in Teen Pregnancy Trend

Mississippi led the nation in the teen birthrate, with 68.4 births per 1,000 women age 15 to 19, while New Hampshire had the lowest, with 18.7 births per 1,000 teenagers.

Although 18-year-old Bristol Palin drew headlines for her pregnancy and the birth of her son, Tripp, in recent months, she is far from alone, in her state or the nation.

(ABC News Photo Illustration)

While the trends varied significantly between certain states, it remains unclear what has caused that.

"We've never known exactly why the rates have decreased so dramatically, and I don't think we'll every fully know why they've gone up here," said Albert.

While the causes of the recent increase in teen births have yet to be found, Albert noted that the newest findings are of concern because they are not being driven by just a few states and the increases are found across almost all racial and ethnic groups.

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But he noted that the numbers are not entirely unexpected, as recent surveys of high schoolers have revealed that efforts to curb teen sexuality and promote contraceptive use have stalled.

"It very well may be that this is driving pregnancy and birthrates," Albert said.

Though he said sexual education in schools might help, it would not reverse the recent teen birth rise on its own.

"I think the quantity and quality of sex education young people get should be of great concern, especially given the grim news offered by this report," said Albert. But, he said, "Sex education alone, no matter what type it is, is not the single answer to teen sexual behavior."