In This Issue

16 & Pregnant helps lower Teen Births

A new economic study suggests that the show, 16 and Pregnant and its spin-offs may have prevented more than 20,000 births to teenage mothers in 2010. A documentary style reality TV show on MTV,16 and Pregnant follows girls through pregnancy, birth, and early motherhood.

The New York Times reports that the study of Nielsen television ratings and birth records from the National Bureau of Economic Research suggests the program has reduced the teen birthrate by nearly 6 percent. The effect of 16 and Pregnant could account for about one-third of the decline during an 18-month period through 2010.

Fears that the show would glamorize and increase teen pregnancy appear not to have been warranted. Instead, teens saw a drama of hardship as well as joy. Sarah Brown, CEO of the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy remarked, "Simply put, the media can be, and often is, a force for good."

Latest Data: STDs Increasing

The number of confirmed U.S. cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis rose from 2011 to 2012. According to the latest report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of confirmed cases in 2012 of chlamydia increased by 0.7%, gonorrhea by 4.1%, and syphilis by 11.1% from 2011. In addition to pelvic inflammatory disease and urethral infection, these bacteria can also cause reproductive health complications such as infertility and ectopic pregnancy.

The CDC estimates that nearly 20 million new sexually transmitted infections occur every year in this country, and half of these are among young people ages 15-24:

At Healthy Futures of Texas, we find it interesting that pregnancy rates are on the decline but STD rates are on the rise. Why is that? We understand that teen pregnancy rates are decreasing because more teens are waiting longer to have sex and more are using effective contraception. Apparently, STD rates behave a little differently. Perhaps fewer teens are using condoms regularly.

Texas gets an "F-"

Twelve states - including Texas - have been given failing grades for their policies on reproductive health and rights - including Texas. The Population Institute in D.C. has released their state-by-state report card based on teen pregnancy rates, the rate of unintended pregnancies, access to birth control, and 6 other criteria. At Healthy Futures of Texas, we are especially concerned about the criteria related to prevention.

Where did Texas stack up? Texas received an "F-" because the state has 1) a high teen pregnancy rate at 85 pregnancies per 1,000 women; 2) no requirement to offer sex education in public schools; and 3) state regulations that limit teen access to birth control. More than half of pregnancies in Texas are unplanned.

Robert Walker, president of The Population Institute, states that, "it is clear that Texas is not meeting the reproductive health needs of women in the state... failing to meet these needs can contribute to high rates of unintended pregnancies, including teen pregnancies."

Meet Our Health Educators!

Healthy Futures' Health Educators are excited about this semester in San Antonio ISD and Edgewood ISD! They will be implementing evidence-based teen pregnancy prevention programs. Middle school students -- with parent/guardian permission - will learn to defend their personal limits while preserving their friendships.

From left to right: Tenisha, Daisy, Alex, Gaby, and Bethany

Healthy Futures of Texas is committed to reducing teen and unplanned pregnancy in San Antonio

and Texas by providing and promoting science-based and culturally appropriate approaches.

We are working toward a community where every young person is able to reach their potential, and

every child is wanted, loved, and cared for.

2300 W. Commerce, Ste. 204

San Antonio, Texas, 78207

210.223.4589

info@healthyfuturestx.org

www.HealthyFuturesTX.org