Rising Rates of Teen Pregnancy and STD's

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CDC Info  
CDC Info

This article that I found discusses how the STD and teen pregnancy rates have risen in the US since 2005. The article found that due to President Bush's "evangelically-driven education policy", these rates began to rise after a steady decline since 1991. Critics of abstinence only sex education argue that the lack of comprehensive education was to blame for syphilis and pregnancy rates increasing by more than half and gonorrhea lowered rates being reversed. They also found that the rate of HIV has doubled in adolescent males. The article also talks about how theses increases have primarily taken place in southern states, where there is a greater emphasis on abstinence until marriage and religion. It also connects the regional, political, and religious aspects of adolescent sexual health discussion.

I find this article very interesting because it basically goes in hand with our discussions in class. I actually found the information on the Centers for Disease and Prevention site to make sure that this article was accurate and not just politically driven. I personally believe that this information should be presented to every person that supports ignoring teen sex and teaching abstinence only education because this startling information really shouldn't be ignored. What do you all think?

-Jalissa B.

Changing the Curriculum-

Sex-Ed Course Change

    This article I found is about a school district trying to update its middle school sex-ed course.  It would now include sending racy photos and messages and also violence that goes along with dating.  They speak about the new changes and also that the students cannot participate unless the parents sign a permission form. 
    I know the bill they passed was for parents rights, but I don't really agree with it.  I think that all students should be taught to be aware of what is going on with their changing bodies and the environment around them.  I understand that everyone parents differently and things change household-to-household but just like Cameron stated "From a public health standpoint, this is the only place our kids get this information. And if they opt out, they won't get it anywhere."
    I also feel that knowledge is power.  Some parents do not speak about sex and the changes because they want the schools to do that.  With my parents my mom spoke to me and was very open about puberty but I knew many people who had no idea until they watched the movie in 4th grade that was 30+ years old.
    Also, I found it very interesting to see the comments from other people reading the article if you scroll down. 
    What do you think about incorporating "sexting" and dating violence to the curriculum? What would you change or add?

(I also found this clip to fit particularly well:    Sex Ed Discussion
The entire episode is really interesting and it ties in to a lot of what we've discussed)

~Sarah J.

Planned Parenting

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Because of America's economic deficit, Republican Representatives are proposing to cut Planned Parenting. Planned Parenthood is a for profit organization that offers teens or young adults free women's health check up, birth control, abortion, and std testing. Currently the United States is in debt $1.5 trillion. Republicans propose that cutting Planned Parenthood will help our debt. However, Planned Parenthood's total annual budget is $1billion. Another reason Planned Parenthood may possibly be cut is because of their abortion rate. Abortion is a very controversial issue today. According to the article, in 2009 more than 800 Planned Parenthoods formed more than 332,278 abortions.

In my opinion, I think it is wrong to cut Planned Parenthood. Government officials says their main reason of cutting is because of money, but I think its because they offer abortion and "advocate teenage sex."I feel that if Planned Parenthood were to be no longer, I think teen birth rates would rise again. Many of young girls and boys use this organization and I really think it is beneficial in today's health.

How do you feel about Planned Parenthood being cut? Do you think the government is trying to cut it for the right reason? What do you think will happen if Planned Parenthood were to be no longer?
-Mary Kate

Parent's Struggle With Child's iPad Addiction

Article from New York Times
     Last week we talked about parenting. Parenting, to me is interesting to talk about. Parent's want to be described or viewed as "good" (above average) parents. Or at least I know I want to be an "awesome" mom someday. However, what does it mean to be a good mom? How do we define or characterize a good parent from a bad parent. Is there a defenitive line or is it more abstract?
    We all have different views, "moral compasses", religious backgrounds, personalities, etc. that will define how each of us parent differently or what we view as acceptable/unacceptable parenting. I have conflicting views about the parenting style or lack there of in this article. The mother is struggling with her 6 yr. olds addiction to the ipad. To me the parent is the one that allowed the child to get "addicted" in the first place. It was probably used as a bribe to get the child to behave or quiet the child while mom or dad was having a conversation, out to dinner, etc. The mom says that the child wants the ipad whenever there is any down time during the day but thats not always what he gets. She said that his behavior is uncharacteristic of him when she tells him its time to put it down. And that he uses the ipad to play educational games. I've also seen/heard stories like this with video game consoles  I think that the mother is contributing to the problem and possibly enabling that child further by allowing him to use the ipad IF HIS BEHAVIOR WORSENS when she takes it away. I would not allow my child to continue to use the ipad if he/she threw a tantrum everytime they were told it was time to put it up. I believe that his problem can be fixed and won't have an long term negative effects but I don't think it's the child's fault that he is "addicted" to an ipad.
     On the other hand, the child is using the ipad for educational games that help develop creative thinking (especially in a 6 year old), story telling skills, and other cognitive skills. I think that using new technology to help advace a child's development is good however, only in moderation. So I am conflicted that the mom is using the ipad to calm the child down and that it has gotten to a level where the child acts uncharacteristically with it being taken away. However, when it is being used, its used in an appropriate way much like watching educational tv.
     What is your opinion or view on this article or what I have said?
- Nicole A.

"Good" Parenting

Since class this morning, I have had many debates in my thoughts as to what makes good parenting.  When doing the activity I picked my answers based on what I would do if I were a parent.  After hearing other classmates' arguments as to why they chose the answers they did, I was left questioning my answers.  This article discusses ten parenting practices that lead to the best predictable outcomes.  None of them necessarily contradict my personal beliefs, but they are "best possible scenario" guidelines a lot more than actual realistic ideals.  It also made me sad because many of them may be unattainable for a teen mother.  They are getting enough backlash from society for the fact that they are teen mothers, they don't need scientific articles also saying the best they can do is not good enough.  Numbers 3, 6, and 8 especially struck me as extra hard for teen mothers to obtain.  Have you been thinking about what makes good parenting since class?  What are your reactions to the activity when reflecting on it?  Which, if any, of these strike you as hard for yourself or teen parents?
-Megan A.

Depression and Teenage Pregnancy

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Throughout the semester we have been discussing the issues that surround teenage pregnancy: economic status, environment, education, etc. I found this article very interesting because it discusses how teens mental state also have an impact on the chances of them becoming teen parents. In the study that was conducted researchers found that teen parenthood did not increase the chances of depression in teen mothers, nor did it exacerbate the depression of the mother if she was already suffering. The study actually showed that teens that were more likely to become teen mothers often already experienced depression prior to becoming pregnant. So, depression is also a factor in teen pregnancy as the other factors that we have discussed in class.

I like that this study also addressed teen fathers. Even though there isn't as much information concerning the fathers, the researchers found that the fathers also experienced high levels of anxiety. They also found that fathers that were exposed to abuse as children were more likely to suffer from depression.

I think that the issue of teenage depression should be discussed more. Addressing the depression in teens could possibly be another preventative measure in teen pregnancy.

- -Jalissa

High School Distributing the Pill

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After reading the article about a pregnancy boom at Gloucester High, I was shocked. When I first read it I thought of the Lifetime movie, Pregnancy Pact. However, the article is different. Gloucester is a small fishing town in Massachusetts. Because of the economy, fishers are being sent overseas to fish and this is breaking families apart. Young girls at Gloucester High are lonely and want that unconditional love. They feel by getting pregnant will stop their loneliness and only help them emotionally.  In fact, the local doctor issued nearly 150 pregnancy tests to teens that go to Gloucester High.

There are many controversial issues that arise with this story. First, the local doctor has decided to prescribe females with contraceptives without parental consent. Secondly, Principal Joseph Sullivan is facing the dilemma of providing contraceptives such as the pill at school. Do you think that the doctor should continue prescribing contraceptives without consent? Should Principal Sullivan provide the pill? Does he have the right? What should the school do to reach out to those girls who are lonely and are contemplating pregnancy?

-Mary Kate Bartlett

Influenced by MTV?

ABC News-Teen mom
     Last Friday, a couple questions were asked if Teen Mom/16 & Pregnant glamorizes teen pregnancy.  The article mentions Janelle's group of friends.  Is it just simply a coincidence that not one, not two, but THREE of her friends also got pregnant?! One girl claims that it was a "series of bad decisions" but I don't know if I believe that.  To see your close friend go through all the struggles of being a teen mom and not even having the father help out in any way, would definitely make me think twice before engaging in unprotected sex.  Do you think Janelle's recent fame in Teen Mom has an impact on any or all three of these girls becoming pregnant?  Why do you think our culture seems to be so obsessed with teens getting pregnant? Like Dr. Levkoff states we have so many shows that just revolve around teen pregnancy that it feels like it's becoming so typical instead of standing out.
     When she mentions the teen fathers getting a bad reputation and that they should be more upset because they are portrayed in such a negative light, do you think this is true?  I am an avid watcher of 16 & Pregnant and Teen Mom 1 &2, and it doesn't seem to differ in many of the episodes.  The parents fight an extreme amount or the father is not in the picture at all.  I understand that MTV cuts and pastes the "real" story into the image they want, but I don't feel like they would make ALL the fathers seem like they aren't around.  It seems to be what really goes on....or does it?  As I was looking for some proof of teen fathers involvement, I came across this article.  Teen Fathers Why do you think MTV doesn't mention that there are some teen fathers willing to step up and help?

~Sarah J.

College Bound Sisters

Paid to NOT get pregnant
     Last week in lab we discussed effective/ineffective programs in schools that aim to prevent teen pregnancy. Researchers have found that abstinence programs currently used in the majority of schools are not effective in preventing teen pregnancy. However, there is not a proven solution to educate and prevent unplanned pregnancies. At what age do we introduce ways to prevent pregnancy, should condoms be available in high school, who should be responsible for teaching youth about contraceptives and sexual health, etc.? These were questions we asked. I found this article while searching for a topic to blog about. This program is for girls 12-16 who have older sisters that are teen moms. These girls earn money for college and further their education while consciously making a decision not to get pregnant. This is not a abstinence only program, girls do not have to sustain from sex to be able to participate. The girls also have to attend a weekly meeting as well that covers different topics to help them in the future. And they develop a strong circle of friends with the same goals as themselves, something all young girls need. This program has been around for over 10+ years and seems effective. Why haven't people heard of this?
     Morally, do you think it is alright to pay young females to not get pregnant? Seeing that it has such a significant success rate do you think more programs like this should be developed? What are the criticisms or negatives of a program like this?
-Nicole A.

Teen Pregnancy: A Social Problem?

Make-up Assignment for 2/4

I would for sure consider teen pregnancy a social problem.  There is an African proverb that says "It takes a village to raise a child."  I believe this to be true and relevant to America in 2011 as well.  When the pregnant woman is married and of a socially acceptable age, the "village" is more than happy to help and aid in raising the child.  However, when the pregnant woman is a teenager, it seems the "village" only wants to turn their back.  When the pregnant teen is on welfare it is a common claim that they are just abusing the system and should get a job to support themselves and their child.  Often times the child's father is no where to be found, and as we have seen in watching 16 & Pregnant, parents aren't always happy to help with the child.  How is the new mother expected to get  job to support herself without the help of anyone to watch the child?  All the money she earns would go to daycare for someone to watch the child while she is at work, then she still doesn't have money left to pay for essentials such as food.  Taking it to another level, the new mom probably doesn't have education past high school, if even that, which makes it even harder to get a job.  There are how many college graduates are back at home because of the economy and lack of jobs, yet new teen moms are expected to be able to get a job and earn enough money to pay for everything?
On a local level, I have seen personally the lack of social supports for teen moms.  I interned and now work at a transitional living program for youth age 16-21.  Because of our funding sources we cannot accept pregnant or parenting youth. In my first month there, the three females residing at the facility had to find other arrangements because they were pregnant.  They literally had no where to go. This was especially heartbreaking for me because I knew each of the girls and knew they had every possibility to be successful even with the obstacles they faced with pregnancy if only they had some support.  This isn't to say that they won't still be the successful women I know each of the can be, but they will have more obstacles to overcome because of the lack of support surrounding them.  During my internship, there was not one week that I didn't answer at least one phone call from a pregnant teen looking for a place to go because she had been kicked out of her house.  There are no social supports in Mid-Missouri for pregnant teens at all, and a huge need for them.  Teen pregnancy will continue to be a social problem until society as a whole accepts it and the entire village can proudly play a role in raising the child.
-Megan A.

Who is Responsible?

Skip ahead to 1:30.

I've watched this movie a few times and always found it hilarious... Until last night.  My roommates were watching it and I was in the other room.  I overheard this part and barged into the TV room outraged by the lack of knowledge of the male character.  "I thought you had a dental dam!"  Whaaat?  While safe for STD prevention in oral sex, I highly doubt a dental dam would do anything to prevent pregnancy.
Misinformation aside, however, this clip really got me thinking about who's responsibility is it to ensure that sexual encounters are safe and that the proper contraception is used?  How often do males not use condoms with the assumption that women are on birth control or have otherwise protected themselves again pregnancy?  In my mind, it should be a shared responsibility.  If a woman is going to be sexually active and wants to prevent pregnancy, she should be responsible for her end of that.  However, I think males should also be responsible for upholding their end of preventing pregnancy by also using protection or making sure the woman is protecting herself.
In the fact sheet about Kailyn's episode, it says, "It takes two people to get pregnant, but only one to prevent it.  Be that one!"  That is a true fact, but preventing pregnancy should still be the work of two individuals.  If an individual isn't comfortable enough with their partner to ask about what they are doing to protect against pregnancy, how can they have enough blind trust that the person is doing anything at all?  What are your thoughts on this issue?
-Megan A.