Teen Pregnancy: We Can Do Better Despite recent improvements, teen pregnancy rates in Washington and the United States remain among the highest in the industrialized world. The rates for teen births, abortions, and sexually transmitted infections are also dramatically higher in Washington and the U.S. Consider these statistics:
How Does The U.S. Stack Up Against Europe?
Teen Pregnancy rate in 2000 for 15-19 year olds:
In the United States, the teen pregnancy rate is more than 9 times higher than the Netherlands, nearly 4 times higher than the rate in France, and nearly 5 times higher than that in Germany.
Abortion Rates in 2000 for 15-19 year olds:
In the United States, the teen abortion rate is nearly 8 times higher that the rate in Germany, nearly 7 times higher than that in the Netherlands, and nearly 3 times higher than the rate in France.
We can do better.
To address these serious public health issues, Planned Parenthood -- in coalition with state and local organizations, clergy, parents, and youth -- has launched an initiative called The New 3Rs: Rights, Respect, Responsibility.
The New 3Rs is dedicated to helping youth develop healthy sexual attitudes and behaviors. This is accomplished by working directly with youth while also helping adults be supportive, available, and prepared to communicate with the young people in their lives.
Planned Parenthood believes The New 3Rs will reach more Washingtonians with its positive, forward-thinking message and will make significant strides toward its long-term vision.
