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Abstract
This study examined whether state parental involvement laws were associated with changes in minors’ birth rates from 2000 to 2006. Using CDC state‑level birth data and random‑effects regression models, we assessed overall and race‑specific trends while controlling for key reproductive health policies. Birth rates declined significantly for white and Black minors but not for Hispanic minors. Across all models, parental involvement laws showed no significant relationship with changes in minors’ birth rates. Instead, factors such as state religiosity, lack of abortion providers, and high school dropout rates were stronger predictors. These findings suggest parental involvement laws do not reduce teen births, and prevention efforts may be better directed elsewhere.