Planned Parenthood Statement on New CDC Report Showing Drop in Teen Birthrate

Statement by Leslie Kantor, National Director of Education Initiatives, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, on New CDC Report Showing Drop in Teen Birthrate

“The drop in the teen birthrate to an all time low is extremely positive news, but with nearly 750,000 teens becoming pregnant each year, more work remains to be done.

“We know that investing in sex education programs that teach young people how to be healthy and safe is the best way to further reduce the number of teen pregnancies in this country. That’s why we must continue to support and fund sex education programs.

“Sex educators like those at Planned Parenthood are poised to make tremendous progress in reducing teen pregnancy, because for the first time in American history the federal government has ensured that funds will be used primarily by states and community organizations that provide evidence-based sex education to reduce teen pregnancy. The Obama administration’s allocation of $155 million for evidence-based sex education represents a true turning point in the history of sex education in the United States.

“Planned Parenthood is the single largest provider of sex education in communities across the United States.  In addition, every year, Planned Parenthood physicians and nurses see 575,000 teenagers who come to our health centers, and millions of American teenagers seek medically accurate information on Planned Parenthood’s website, www.plannedparenthood.org.”

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 700 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.