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Teen pregnancy is big problem in Montana

The United States has the highest teen pregnancy rate in all of the developed nations of the world. Although 2008 data is showing the first decrease in the teen pregnancy rate in years, there is still a lot of work to be done on this issue.

In Montana in 2008, 1,312 live births were reported among teenagers ages 19 and under. Teen parents are likely to be less educated, have more children, have more non-marital births and have more unintended births than women who postpone childbearing until their twenties.

Approximately 82 percent of teen pregnancies are unplanned.

Almost half — 46 percent — of high school students reported having had sexual intercourse at least once. Fourteen percent of Montana high school students have had sex with four or more partners in their lifetime. To address this issue in our communities, we are promoting Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month in May.

Montana teens are at higher risk for teen pregnancy for several reasons.

National surveys show that alcohol use among teens is increasing.

Montana is number one in the nation for binge drinking among teens. The rate of teens engaging in sexual activity is also increasing.

It's difficult to make healthy decisions when under the influence of alcohol.

Take action in your community by promoting open and honest discussions about teen sexuality and pregnancy prevention. You can get involved by contacting Hill County Family Planning at 265-5481, ext

256.

Wanda Meredith Hill County Family Planning

 

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