National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month

Amongst the many awareness events that May holds, this month is also National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month. The nation turns its attention to teen pregnancy prevention and the great efforts that have been made over the last 10-20 years. In recognition of this month, people can reflect on the progress that has been made so far.

Since creating the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiative in 2010, previous data has shown that the teen birth rate was 24 births per 1,000 teen girls (ages 15-19). Since then, the teen birth rate has changed to 16.7 per 1,000 teen girls. The numbers certainly appears to advance in our favor since action was taken.

The goal of the National Month is to emphasize that too many teens still leave pregnancy prevention to chance. It is focused on helping teens to understand that making active decisions about pregnancy is a part of taking charge of their futures and let them know that they are seen.

A problem such as teen pregnancy can be brushed off as something so little but, people don’t stop to think about the effects it has on the young mothers who are dealing with this everyday and are significant contributors to high school dropout rates among girls. Having to drop out because of one thing that they may or may not have asked for or wanted, with no choice is anything but liberating.

Which is why options and resources are vital to the average teenager, father, or mother. Planned Parenthood and specific hotlines are some of the best options a scared teen can get.

It’s also important to shed light on the history of this expression, “teen pregnancy”. Starting in the 1950s, families primarily focused on the redemptive value of marriage due to “wayward girls” or “unwed mothers”. It grew in popularity in the 60s then dropped sharply in the 70s. This pattern is constant throughout time and so The U.S. Supreme Court legalized abortion with Roe v. Wade. Providing help for teen pregnancy has been improved since then even leading to proper teaching of safe intercourse and sexuality.

There has been tremendous progress in the past 2 decades, but let’s not grow ignorant on the remaining issues. Issues like racial/ethnic and geographic disparities in teen birth rates in the United States and speaking of Roe v. Wade, the dispute of overturning this court case. A constitutional right every woman should have and is a vital opportunity women have had for 49 years that prevent teen pregnancy.

This is only gaining the questions, why not pursue this evolution? Will the celebration of this month continue?

Written by Julianah Cha Pit | Graphic Designed by Julianah Cha Pit

Published May 31, 2022 | ePathfinder | News