The Associated Press article "Birth rate numbers offer hope," on Sept. 6, included the fact that in 2012, [U.S.] "birth rates for teen moms ... hit yet another historic low."
This continued progress is positive news for teens, parents and communities. However, it is important to note that the United States still has the highest teen birth rate of any developed country and there continue to be significant disparities in rates among racial and ethnic groups.
Too many teens and families continue to face enormous health, education and economic challenges and such challenges are multiplied when a teen becomes a parent. Yet, sex remains a difficult and often neglected topic of parent-child communication and schools struggling to meet state standards are often willing to cut back on health instruction. Most schools still shy away from housing clinics that might provide on-site contraceptive information or supplies and some still rely on ineffective abstinence-only programs and curricula.
It is so important that parents, schools and health organizations work together to ensure that all young people get the information and access to services they need to prevent both pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
Planned Parenthood works every day to prevent teen pregnancy. Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood provides sex education programs in schools and communities in Albany, Columbia and Rensselaer counties, offers weekly teen clinics at our health centers in Albany and Troy, and offers parental resources at www.uhpp.org and through our education department. We just launched a new program that enables teens to ask questions and get medically accurate, age-appropriate answers via text. Call 434-5678, Ext. 137, or email info@uhpp.org.
Chelly Hegan
President and CEO, Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood
Albany