In This Issue:

Teen Pregnancy, Abortion Rates at Historic Lows

National Day 2014 - What Teens Have to Say

Teen Pregnancy and Abortion Rates at Historic Lows

According to a recent study from the Guttmacher Institute, it is not just teen birth rates that are at historic lows, but also teen pregnancy rates and abortion rates, too. In 2010, approximately 614,000 pregnancies occurred among U.S. teenagers 15 to 19 years old. This rate of 57.4 pregnancies per thousand is down a whopping 15% in just two years.

Texas had the third highest rate of teen pregnancy (73 per thousand), following New Mexico (80 per thousand) and Mississippi (76 per thousand).

Pregnancy rates fell among all racial and ethnic groups. Between 1990 and 2010, the teen pregnancy rate declined 56% (from 86.6 to 37.8 per thousand) for non-Hispanic white teens, and 56% (from 223.8 to 99.5 per thousand) for black teens. The pregnancy rate among Hispanic teens declined 51% (from 169.7 to 83.5 per thousand) between 1992 (the peak for Hispanic teens) and 2010. Nevertheless, wide disparities across racial and ethnic groups. Pregnancy rates among black and Hispanic teens remain twice as high as the rate for non-Hispanic white teens.

The majority (69%) of teen pregnancies occur among older teens (ages 18-19). Remarkably, more 18 to 19-year-olds reported having had sex, yet fewer became pregnant - possibly because more use contraception, and more use more effective contraceptive methods.

Birth Control Info for Young Adults

Bedsider.org is an online birth control support network designed for young adults and operated by The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. Bedsider is honest, direct, complete, and sometimes downright funny (see the Fact or Fiction feature). It provides the latest information, packaged to help women (and men) understand their options when it comes to contraception.

Bedsider provides a "Method Explorer," with pictures, summaries, and an in-depth look at each birth control method. Methods described range from the, Bedsider-recommended, long-acting reversible methods (intrauterine devices - or IUDs -- and implants); pills; patches; rings; shots; non-hormonal barrier methods such as condoms, diaphragms, and the cervical cap; fertility awareness; withdrawal; and the choice to not have sex.

Bedsider explores the effectiveness and costs of each method, how each method is used, side effects, and common problems women have with each method. The site also provides information on where to get birth control: by locating a health center nearby; over-the-counter; and where to obtain over-the-counter emergency contraception.

Another useful tool that Bedsider provides is an electronic reminder, reminding users when it's time to take their pill, change their patch, or visit their provider. Bedsider stresses that, "babies are great... when you're ready for them. [They] think in the meantime women should have the right to a healthy, happy sex life without having to worry about unplanned pregnancy."

National Day 2014 - What Teens Have to Say

May is the National Month to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, and nearly 300,000 teens have participated by taking the National Day Quiz at Stayteen.org. The goal of the quiz is to help teens think carefully about sex, relationships, contraception, and the possibility of pregnancy. But what did teens have to say about it?

The overwhelming majority of the teens that took the quiz (90%) said that it made them think about what they might do in a situation involving sexual pressure. Thinking about their reactions ahead of time allows teens to plan a response and practice how they may be able to say "no." It can also help them approach the situation with caution, should they decide to engage in sex. 70% of participants said the quiz made the risks of sex and teen pregnancy seem more real to them.

Furthermore, some teens "thought it was a great way to present the issue in a new light and it made [them] rethink some decisions [they] would have made."

The goal of StayTeen is to encourage youth to enjoy their teen years and avoid the responsibilities that come with too-early pregnancy and parenting. Through the interactive National Day Quiz, StayTeen is able to encourage open conversations about sexual health and promote teens' healthy decision making.

How do YOU score? You can still find out by taking the National Day Quiz until the end of May.

HFA and Teen-Friendly Healthcare

Thanks to all Healthy Futures Alliance (HFA) members and friends who attended the HFA meeting on May 15th.

The first part of the meeting was dedicated to gathering input about the importance of High School Health, a half-credit course. Dr. Janet Realini reviewed that the state high school Health graduation requirement was eliminated in 2009 by the Texas Legislature. Some school districts have continued to require Health, but last year, the elimination of the state requirement for the half-credit of Speech removed the "companion" half-credit of Health. A concern had been raised that this development would mean fewer school districts requiring high school Health and fewer students taking Health as an elective.

Discussion among those attending the meeting revealed a concern about the quality of health education. The important issue was felt to be the quality of the learning experience in health. Some districts are moving Health to grade 8. In addition, topics are covered in other classes, e.g., Science.

Dr. Kristen Plastino of UT Teen Health briefly presented about teen-friendly healthcare and shared "best practices" to implement teen-friendly healthcare. Small groups worked to identify ways that community partners can help to ensure that teens in San Antonio have access to teen-friendly healthcare.

The full group discussed several suggestions of the small groups: promoting clinics with acknowledged "star" status as teen-friendly; having a greater presence on college campuses (where many older teens are); and looking into school-based health centers. The complete list of suggestions will be posted soon on the Healthy Futures of Texas Website.

The Healthy Futures Alliance continues to bring together individuals from a variety of community organizations, professional backgrounds, health organizations, and community residents to work towards the common goal of prevention.

Stay "in the loop" by becoming a member, attending HFA meetings, reading the newsletters, and making your voice heard. We look forward to presenting HFA's legislative agenda at our September meeting - you won't want to miss it!

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 St., Ste. 203/204

San Antonio, Texas, 78207

210.223.4589

info@hf-tx.org

HF-TX.org