New Mexico has a stubborn problem: its persistent ranking at or near the top in the nation when it comes to teen pregnancies.
A new legislative analysis suggests that state agencies develop a comprehensive plan to reduce teen births.
While the birth rates are declining like the rest of the nation, the state's overall ranking hasn't budged.
The analysis recommends lawmakers direct the Health Department to develop strategies, including identifying communities with higher teen births as priorities and setting reduction targets.
The department could implement the ideas without a change in law.
The report found teen births were concentrated in certain geographic areas and among teens who have already become parents.
Advocates who have been trying to address the issue say teen childbearing cost taxpayers at least $103 million in 2010.
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