This KIDS COUNT Special Report contains some hopeful news for the future of America's families. Since 1991, the percentages of American teenagers getting pregnant, giving birth, or having abortions have all fallen. Teen pregnancies have declined 14 percent since 1990, reaching the lowest annual rate in more than 20 years. Similarly, the rate of births to teens is down 12 percent from the beginning of the decade. These welcome declines occurred in every state and the District of Columbia and across all racial groups. These improving numbers still fall far short of what is acceptable and attainable. In 1996, more than half a million American teens gave birth. Most of these adolescents were unmarried, and many were not ready for the responsibilities and demands of parenthood.