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.
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