Teen Pregnancy in the US
By Tanya (staff member of Advocates for Youth)
Teen pregnancy rates remain high in the U.S. despite a steady decline since 1991. Three out of every 40 teenagers become pregnant before the age of 20.[1] Pregnancy affects minority women disproportionately: African American/black and Latina women experience rates that are up to 2.8 times higher than that of white women.[1] In fact, 58% of black women and half of all Latina women become pregnant at least once before the age of 20.[2,3] These figures indicate that teen pregnancy remains a serious problem, especially for young women in these two groups.
How Can I Prevent an Unintended Pregnancy?
Pregnancy and childbearing can be difficult for any young person because of the enormous responsibilities and challenges associated with both. If you are not ready to have a child, there are ways to prevent pregnancy. Abstinence from sexual activity is the only sure way to keep from getting pregnant. However, if you are sexually active, you can use birth control to reduce the risk of becoming pregnant. There are many forms of birth control: methods include condoms, the pill, the patch, the shot, and the ring.
Condoms are the only form of birth control that also helps prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms are available in most pharmacies, supermarkets, convenience stores and health centers and you don’t need parental permission to purchase them. Emergency contraception is the only method that can be used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex if your birth control fails or none was used at all. Earlier this year EC became available without a prescription for young women ages 18 and older at most pharmacies. For young women under age 18, you will still need a prescription.
To learn more about available forms of birth control click here: http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/youth/health/contraceptives/index.htm.
Resources for Teen Parents
Are you a teen parent? There are many programs available to help you with parenting, child care, nutrition and health, and attending school. Visit Healthy Teen Network or Sex, Etc for a list of resources. You may also contact your local United Way by dialing 211 or visiting their website.
References
- Guttmacher Institute. U.S. Teenage Pregnancy Statistics and State Trends and Trends by Race and Ethnicity. 2006.
- National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. “Fact Sheet: Teen Sexual Activity, Pregnancy and Childbearing among Black Teens.” 2006.
- National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. “Fact Sheet: Teen Sexual Activity, Pregnancy and Childbearing among Latinos in the United States.” 2006.
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