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May is National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month.
According to the statistics averages, about 1,100 U.S. teen girls gave birth TODAY, which is more than in most developed countries. Half of these teen mothers will not finish their high school education. Teen pregnancies and birthd cost US taxpayers 24.7 million dollars EVERYDAY.
The statistics are staggering and raise a question... what can be done to reduce these numbers... I think the need of the hour is a multi-pronged approach incorporating health care professionals, parents and guardians, schools and faith based organizations... and the most important prong in this approach are the parents and guardians of teens.
So what can you do as a parent or a guardian...
- Learn about teen pregnancy, sex and contraception, and how to talk with teens about preventing pregnancy.
- Ask your teen's school to provide evidence-based sex education.
- Talk with your teen's health care provider about teen pregnancy.
- Talk with your teen about sex, pregnancy, relationships, and birth control.
Lastly, take pains to ensure that your child or guard knows that he or she can trust you and can come to you to confide or seek advice if they ever find themselves in a tough situation like unprotected sex. If they cannot come to you due to fear, they may not be able to get the timely help they need.
Remember your teenage and realize that it is not always easy for them to talk to you. So take the first step and reach out to them. It will be good for both of you.
Until next time!
Posted by Shilpa Vir at 4:21:14 AM, EST
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