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Only 1 in 5 Sexually Active Teen Mothers Use Most Effective Form of Birth Control

Washington, D.C. -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) this afternoon released results of a new Vital Signs analysis showing that repeat births among teen mothers is nearly 20 percent of all teen births. 

Following is a statement from Leslie Kantor, Vice President of Education at Planned Parenthood Federation of America:

“While teen pregnancy rates have declined significantly since 1990, today’s new analysis illustrates the continued importance of high-quality sex education and access to birth control, particularly through highly effective methods such as IUDs and other long-acting reversible contraceptives.

“This is especially true in states like Texas and Mississippi, where women and young people continue to lack access to basic health care and where this analysis shows that repeat teen birth is especially high.

“When young mothers postpone a second birth, they have greater educational and job opportunities. The best way to prevent teen pregnancy across the board is by investing in effective sex education, encouraging teens to talk to their parents, and ensuring access to birth control. 

“Overall, this data clearly speaks to the importance of the Affordable Care Act – which provides funding for teen pregnancy prevention programs and gives women coverage without co-pay for the full range of FDA-approved contraceptive methods.”

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• According to the new CDC Vital signs analysis, rapid repeat teen pregnancy is highest in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, Oklahoma, Nevada, and Arizona. 

• The Contraceptive CHOICE Study released last fall demonstrated that access to no co-pay birth control — as is outlined in the Affordable Care Act — leads to significantly lower unintended pregnancy and abortion rates, especially among young women.

• Studies show that long-acting reversible methods like IUDs and implants are highly effective and safe methods of birth control that are underused in the United States. Despite this, myths continue to affect uptake of these methods. 

• More than 100 studies have shown that high-quality sex education programs can both delay the onset of sexual intercourse and help young people to use birth control and condoms. 

Planned Parenthood & Rapid Repeat Teen Pregnancy 

More than one million youths and adults participate in Planned Parenthood educational programs every year. Planned Parenthood health centers across the country are leading the way when it comes to reducing teenage pregnancy; including helping teenage mothers postpone a second birth.

For example, the Teen Success program, started by Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, is an award-winning program with a 22-year history of supporting pregnant and parenting teens and encouraging them to maintain their family size, complete their education and develop future goals.

There are currently 33 Teen Success groups spread across Planned Parenthood health centers and partner organizations.  Over the program history, the program has served more than 4,000 teens. Teen Success members have a repeat pregnancy rate of 1 to 2 percent compared to the national statistic of nearly 20 percent or more. 

Each year, the Teen Success program at Planned Parenthood Mar Monte also grants an educational scholarship to young mothers who complete the program goals.  

Wendy of Soledad, California wrote in her scholarship application that, “Teen Success taught me the importance of pursuing my personal goals as well as being a mother and the good things it will bring to my family if I keep going. This is what always motivates me to keep going when times get tough and it seems like the easiest thing to do is give up and get a job at a local fast food place. I remember what my [Teen Success] facilitators taught me, and that is to always keep my head up and keep fighting for what I want."

 

Source

Planned Parenthood Federation of America

Contact

Planned Parenthood Federation of America media office: 212-261-4433

Published

April 02, 2013

Updated

May 04, 2016

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