Sexuality

1) Has teen pregnancy rate been rising or declining over the past few years? What do the latest figures indicate?
Teen pregnancy has been on the rise since 2005 by 3 percent per year. It was on the decline from 1991-2005 by 30 percent. The pregnancy rate increased in women of all ages and races but unfortunately increased the most among blacks.

2) What are some of the theories for the change according to expert interview?
They didn't really give a clear cut answer as to why the pregnancy rate increased so much but they did discuss the abstinent only curriculum's at school, Sex education which teaches about forms of contraception as well as other different programs that focus on meeting the needs of teenagers. To me those were the main points that the experts referenced concerning change.

3) What situations influence teen pregnancy?
The lack of a close caring relationship with a trusted adult, Lack of proper health care, Positive outlook on life, Success in school and a scenes of belonging. All of theses situation increase the chances for teens to become pregnant.

4) If I were running a center for teens I would design a hands on in your face program that would prevent teen pregnancy. I would have something similar to scared straight only a little bit less harsh. I would have single mothers come in to talk with girls about the pro's and con's of teen pregnancies. I would also have the teens shadow a single mother for a day so they can see how life is as a single parent. I wouldn't focus on abstinence because I believe it would be a waist of time. I would show the students how to protect themselves and warn them of the dangers that can occur if they don't. In addition to that I would have people with AIDS and other sexually transmitted disease come in to offer testimony for the students in order to expose the reality and seriousness of sex. I would have male figures come to the center to talk to the male students about responsibility and family structure. In conclusion I would have males that are involved with in the child support system come and offer testimony about the ways child support can effect ones life. My program would work to the fullest I think it is a shame that society can promote sex in so many ways but when it's time to prevent and educate there seems to be only one way. The stats show those old ways are not working