CHEYENNE - Wyoming's teen birth rate increased in 2006 after declining the previous 14 years, according to a new federal study.

The state's rate of teen births in 2006 also exceeded the national average, according to new state statistics released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For every group of 1,000 women ages 15-19 in the United States, nearly 42 became young mothers. In Wyoming, the rate was more than 47 births per 1,000 teenage girls.

Local advocates for teen parents say young mothers today have more support than before.

Denise Martin, at-risk teen liaison for Laramie County School District 1, said all three of Cheyenne's high schools have some type of parenting class. The courses allow young parents to learn about childrearing and money management in addition to finding the support to finish school.

Martin said 10 years ago she might work with students like these once a month. Today, teen parents get regular attention and attend parenting classes a couple of times each week.

The teens also strive to overcome the stigma associated with being young parents, she said.

"People think they are bad parents," Martin said. "But a lot (of teen parents) go the other way."

Michelle Aldrich, family and consumer science teacher at the alternative Triumph High School in Cheyenne, said today's young parents are more thoughtful and responsible about the new demands on their finances and time.

She said because the issue is no longer hidden, teens understand more about the obligations that come with parenthood.

According to the national report, Mississippi has the nation's highest teen pregnancy rate, more than 60 percent higher than the national average in 2006. The teen pregnancy rate in Texas and New Mexico was more than 50 percent higher.

The lowest teen birth rates continue to be in New England, where three states have teen birth rates at just half the national average.