Posted: May 14, 2015 Contributor: PRJKT RUBY
May is National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month
Teen pregnancy is an issue that continues to impact women across the country. Each May, the federal Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH) partners with the CDC to spread awareness by supporting public and private educational programs.
One of the most effective ways to prevent teen pregnancy is by teaching teens sexual education and providing them with access to contraceptives. While many adults may be uncomfortable discussing such intimate things with their teens, the fact is teen sex is happening so it’s important to provide them with the tools they need to stay safe and healthy.
The office of Adolescent Health has launched these specialized programs in 9 states with the hope of reducing teen pregnancies in these areas.
As listed in the Advocates for Youth website, here are the participating communities:
Alabama Department of Public Health, Mobile, Alabama;
City of Hartford Department of Health and Human Services, Hartford Connecticut;
Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power & Potential, Augusta, Georgia;
Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy, Springfield and Holyoke, Massachusetts,
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Bronx, New York;
Family Planning Council, Southeastern Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Campaign of North Carolina, Gaston County, North Carolina;
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
Many other programs and organizations host their own teen pregnancy awareness classes and educational opportunities for their communities.
Teen Pregnancy Facts
- In 2013, there were 26.5 births for every 1000 adolescent females
- The 2013 teen birth rate declined 10% from 2012.
- 18 to 19 years of age is the most common time for teen pregnancy to occur.
- In 2013 73% of teen births occurred in women 18 or 19-years-old.
Want to Get Involved?
Here are links to several organizations participating in National Teenage Pregnancy month.
Essay contest for 6th – 12th graders “Why Teen Pregnancy is Important to me.
PSAs for parents, youth and youth advocates
Teens can blog for the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy.