Research of interest II

Teen pregnancy is being studied closely by many different research groups. My boss shared this web site with me and I've spent considerable time reading up on this important social issue. The National Campaign to prevent teen and unplanned pregnancy is packed with useful information for teen, parents, professionals and family members. Please take some time to read up and learn more about this important issue that affects us all.

This from the web site:
"Teen pregnancy is closely linked to a host of other critical social issues — poverty and income, overall child well-being, out-of-wedlock births, responsible fatherhood, health issues, education, child welfare, and other risky behavior. There are also substantial public costs associated with adolescent childbearing. Consequently, teen pregnancy should be viewed not only as a reproductive health issue, but as one that works to improve all of these measures. Simply put, if more children in this country were born to parents who are ready and able to care for them, we would see a significant reduction in a host of social problems afflicting children in the United States, from school failure and crime to child abuse and neglect.
Like teen pregnancy, unplanned pregnancy among young adults is at the root of a number of important public health and social challenges. Unplanned pregnancies are frequently resolved by abortion—1.3 million in the United State in 2001, and although Americans differ a great deal in their views about abortion, virtually all of us see value in lessening the need for abortion and would prefer that fewer women have to confront an unplanned pregnancy in the first place.
Mission
The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy seeks to improve the lives and future prospects of children and families and, in particular, to help ensure that children are born into stable, two-parent families who are committed to and ready for the demanding task of raising the next generation. Our specific strategy is to prevent teen pregnancy and unplanned pregnancy among single, young adults. We support a combination of responsible values and behavior by both men and women and responsible policies in both the public and private sectors.
If we are successful, child and family well-being will improve. There will be less poverty, more opportunities for young men and women to complete their education or achieve other life goals, fewer abortions, and a stronger nation."
I'm very impressed with the work of this organization. Here is a list from the CEO of the organization that I thought was very helpful and insightful:
"'Aunt Sarah 's* List ''
Things We ALL Need to Say to Teens and Young Adults

Getting pregnant or causing pregnancy, having babies, and starting families are perhaps the most important things we ever do, with generational effects. These major steps need to be thought about carefully, not stumbled into. We think and talk about so many less important things all the time: what’s for dinner, March Madness brackets, what movie to see this weekend… Surely the event of when to become a parent, with whom, and under what circumstances deserve at least the same amount of time and attention.
1. Babies need adult parents.
2. "If it happens, it happens" is no way to start a family. And "I just never really thought about it" isn’t either.
3. Babies don’t cement relationships; they often put great stress on them. Be sure you are in a solid relationship before you begin a family.
4. Sex has meaning, risks, and consequences. It’s not a casual activity. Take it seriously.
5. Babies don’t give unconditional love; they demand it from the adults around them.
6. Children do best when they are raised by parents who are committed to each other and to years of devoted parenting.
7. To boys and men: Making babies doesn’t make you a man. Being a devoted partner and father may.
8. To girls and women: Sex won’t make him yours and a baby won’t make him stay.
9. Personal responsibility and parental responsibility mean it’s not just about "me" the adult—it’s also about what’s in the best interest of children, communities, and future generations.
* Sarah Brown is the CEO of The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned
Pregnancy.

And finally, this indepth research project called "The FOG Zone"
How Misperceptions, Magical Thinking, and Ambivalence Put Young Adults at Risk for Unplanned Pregnancy. It's facinating reading.

After reading much of this information, I'm left with one thought. We need to do A LOT better in talking to our teens about sex and unplanned pregnancy. In this sexually charged culture we live in, we simply have to find a way to teach responsible behavior and moral conduct in using this sacred power to create children and start families the way God intended.