Indicator: 48 - New-Family Stability

Why This Is Important

The age and education of a new mother, plus the official identification of the father, are factors that relate to each other and that are strongly associated with improved child health, healthy development and overall family functioning. If all three factors are present, a new family is more likely to be stable, successful, and able to realize the rewards and responsibilities of raising children.

Where We Stand

Nearly one-third of all live births in Maine are first births to mothers who have completed high school, are age 20 or older, and have recorded the father's name on the birth certificate. This percentage has risen very slightly since 1996.

Data Sources and Context

The data source for this indicator is the Office of Data, Research and Vital Statistics, Bureau of Health, Maine Department of Human Services (2002). These data are taken from hospital records indicating the number of first births to mothers who have completed high school, are age 20 or older, and have the father's name recorded on the birth certificate.