The birth rate among teens in Massachusetts has fallen to its lowest rate since records were kept.

That's according to the latest birth report released Friday by the state Department of Public Health. The statistics, for 2013, show 12 births per 1,000 women between the ages of 15-19, down from 14 births per 1,000 women in that age bracket the previous year.

Gov. Deval Patrick said in a statement accompanying release of the report that the decline in the teen birth rate was ``terrific news'' and an indication that investments in programs to help young people can have a lasting impact on their lives.

More From WBSM-AM/AM 1420