|
Teen Pregnancy
Teen pregnancies can and do happen - 3 in 10 girls will become pregnant by age 20. Unplanned pregnancies can dramatically change the lives of the families involved, sometimes leading to poverty, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, and more unplanned pregnancies. If you are a parent, you can help prevent a teen pregnancy in your family by starting with these steps:
• Share your views with your children--About teens having sex, safe sex and preventing pregnancy.
• Be real--Go beyond explaining basic facts and talk about the feelings and responsibilities sex involves. Discuss the difference between sex and love and how to say no under pressure.
• Don't worry about mixed messages--You can encourage virginity while still explaining what it takes to prevent pregnancy. More than half of teens surveyed want parents to discuss both abstinence and birth control, rather than one or the other.
• Stay in charge--Establish rules and curfews and know who your children are hanging out with.
• Show your love--Establish a close relationship with your children, so that your children will talk with you when they have questions and concerns.
Helpful links:
National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy
Teen Pregnancy
Women's Health
Back to Health Information
|
|
 |
|
|
