I’ve seen a lot in the news and in ads lately about reducing ‘unintended pregnancies’. Does this mean pregnancies in teens are more common now than other years?
The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that teen pregnancies are on the rise. In 2006, 26 states reported a rise in teen pregnancies (including those that were terminated due to abortions) which is noteworthy because, only one state showed a significant increase in 2004 and 2005. The recent rise is the highest since 1971, rising 5% from 2005 to 2007. The new trend is also significant because pregnancies were thought to be on the downturn as they decreased 34% from 1991-2005 among 15-19 year olds.
That was a lot of statistics, but basically, yes, teen pregnancies are more common now than before. Many have speculated the reasons why: over-sexed culture, greater acceptance of unmarried mothers in Hollywood, and abstinence-only education, to name a few. The ads you are seeing target the issue of ‘unintended pregnancies’ which may or may not happen with teen pregnancies. Even among married couples, pregnancies can be unplanned. Generally speaking, about half of all pregnancies are unintended.
What can you do about it? You can either abstain until you are able to handle a pregnancy, or you can practice safe sex and use a reliable form of birth control. The Student Health Service has free condoms available and you can schedule a visit with a doctor or gynecologist to discuss birth control options. You can also check out AvoidtheStork.com for more information.
Renae DeVolder, BA
Graduate Assistant
Health Iowa/Student Health Service
Source: USA Today
CDC
Written 1/25/10
Question Link :
http://www.uistudenthealth.com/question/default.aspx?q=1113