Pace Observes National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month
National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month, observed in May, strives to involve the community in an effort to raise awareness about teen pregnancy and the need for effective teen pregnancy prevention programs.
Unplanned teen pregnancy is an important public health and social issue. In the United States, 31 percent of teenage girls get pregnant at least once before age 20, and nearly half of all pregnancies are unplanned and unintended. Teen moms and their babies face increased risks to their health as well as decreased opportunity to build a future. The March of Dimes has provided the following facts about teen pregnancy:
- More than 750,000 teenagers become pregnant each year, and about 445,000 give birth.
- About 1 in 4 teen mothers under age 18 have a second baby within 2 years after the birth of their first baby.
- Teen mothers are more likely than mothers over age 20 to give birth prematurely (before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy). Babies born prematurely face an increased risk of newborn health problems, long-term disabilities and even death.
Pam Jackson RN, Health Educator for Health Connection says, “We have a desire to decrease the rate of unintended pregnancies by educating the public about child spacing and family planning services. Education is a fundamental aspect of this equation.”
Health Connection encourages all Indiana Hoosiers to make it a team effort in stressing the importance of a strong partnership between the community and the family to inspire young people in developing responsible and healthy attitudes about sexuality and enhance decision-making skills that lead to positive life choice. For more information or to schedule an appointment call (812) 882-6069.
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