Study shows rise in teenage pregnancy

The headlines are everywhere: teenage pregnancy rates have gone up for the first time in 14 years according to a new government report released on Dec. 5th.   It is expected that 750,000 teenage girls will get pregnant this year.  Recently, with the release of movies such as Knocked Up, Waitress, and Juno, and also with the unexpected profession of Jamie Lynn Spears and her recent pregnancy, this issue seems to be attracting more media attention than ever before.

“This is such a complicated issue,” said Health teacher Gabe Romano.  “This sudden spike in numbers is probably due to the media.  Teens are more exposed to television, magazines, and movies, all of which expose teens and pre-teens to issues that are really controversial,” said Romano.

Between 2005 and 2006, the birth rate for girls 15 to 19 rose three percent. During that time, teen births dropped 34 percent from a peak of 61.8 births per 1,000 in 1991, according to the report.  Overall, 35 percent of females are expected to get pregnant at least once before they reach the age of 20, according to the U.S. Department of Health. 

The biggest increases for 2006 were among black teens, where the rate rose 5 percent, followed by 4 percent for American-Indian teens, 3 percent for white teens and 2 percent for Hispanic teens.  However, the report also discovered that the birth rate continued to drop for girls 10 to 14 years old.  Whereas for girls 18 to 19 years old, the rate of births is more than three times higher, at 73 births per 1,000, than the rate for teens 15 to 17, at 22 per 1,000.

“Teenagers should definitely not fall to the pressures of other teens and the media.  There is still a long way ahead of us, our teenage years are short, and we need to take advantage of them in a positive way, and must be extremely careful with our bodies,” said senior Jacqueline Aguillre.

Although the average teen pregnancy rates have spiked as a national average, in the Washington Metropolitan area, birth rates have plummeted.  In the District alone, in 2005, the numbers were cut by more than half the historic lows.  The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy recently released teen birth data by county and ranked each county’s rate from lowest to highest. Fairfax County ranked 14th nationwide, the lowest in the region, whereas and the District of Columbia ranked 350th.

“Fairfax County has one of the lowest birth rates not only in the Washington Metropolitan area but also according to the national average.  This could be due, although I am not completely certain, to the fact that we have FLE [family life education] in our county,” said Romano.  “In my class students learn about abstinence, and most importantly learn about the effects pregnancy could have on a student.  The media and often friends give impressions of pregnancy as being ‘cool’, however it is only in this class that teens really understand the meaning and risks.”

This issue is not only gaining attention because of the numbers and figures, current movies and the sudden announcement of Jamie Lynn Spears have sparked controversies.  On Dec.18th, Jamie Lynn officially announced to OK! Magazine that she is 12 weeks pregnant and plans to raise the baby in Louisiana.  This controversial announcement has sparked lots of debate.  Many parents are afraid that Spears, a role model for many pre-teens and kids, could have a negative impact on her audience.

“Jamie Lynn Spears, being the celebrity that she is, should have seriously been more responsible,” said Aguillre.   Although things do happen and I understand that it was not on purpose, but she is a role model for many kids, and this will definitely be a shock for her young audience.  I mean seriously, she is only 16 years old!” said Aguillre.    

Many states and counties are now diligently working in order to reduce adolescent pregnancy.  There are many statewide coalitions that prevent teen pregnancy; many exist in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. The D.C. Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, for example, is aims at emphasizing teen prevention programs. The D.C. Campaign work includes working directly with parents, schools, and faith communities while also conducting town hall meetings to educate youth about teen pregnancy, its risks and effects.

Fairfax County regulations are more conservative than other counties and districts in the area.  However, pregnant teens in Fairfax have many resources for consolations, financial and emotional support.

Among the many options, the Bryant School for teen mothers is perhaps one of the most popular.  At Bryant, pregnant teens, and teen mothers have a chance at earning a high school diploma in a setting that is structured around their parental needs.  Teen mothers take classes with other teen mothers, and are also enlisted in unique courses on topics such as parenting and employability skills.  It is extremely difficult for a teen mother to get accepted into the school; however, there are many resources and programs in AHS and high schools all around the county.  

“Personally, I provide pregnant teens with information on healthcare and resource option.  Since I am not restricted by Fairfax County regulations, I can keep the conversation confidential, something the counselors cannot do,” said Health Department nurse Shirley Fisher.

In AHS, and all around the county, counselors are required to notify the parents about pregnancy. 

“This is a complex issue the parents must be notified, often times, the teen is ready or has already discussed this issue with her parents because it is not like you can hide it forever.  Parents do get angry, but they usually become more constructive and focus more on how to deal with the issue at hand,” said Guidance Counselor Linda Wheeler. 

Wheeler and Fisher also sponsor meetings with AHS teen moms.  These meetings are aimed at teaching teen mothers parenting tips, and continue to encourage the students to continue their education.  Many guest speakers have attended the meetings, most of which have gone through the struggle of teen pregnancy them selves.

“A teen has many options.  It is very important for the mother to understand that her education should by far be her most important goal,” said  Fisher.  
This issue gets even more complex when discussing abortion.  Virginia laws are very different from surrounding areas.  In Maryland and the District, a teen can get an abortion without parental consent; however, in the Virginia, a teen under 18 must get parental consent before getting the operation.
“Abortion is such a controversial issue, it is ultimately a personal decision for the teen and her family,” said Mrs. Fisher.

Furthermore, although the issue is politically controversial politically and religiously, the teens are allowed to continue their education, and often times, their stories are a success. 

“Although many teens and scared about speaking out, they need to understand that they need to speak with a trusted adult and if they do not know who to talk to, then they should talk with nurse Fisher,” said Wheeler. “Mrs. Fisher is definitely someone that could be trusted, and can really help concerned teens.  This is not an issue that should be taken lightly, but there are many options and it does not have to have a sad ending.”