Letter to the Editor: Fight teen pregnancy during May

Editor:

May is Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month, a time when we focus on the need to reduce teen pregnancy in our communities. If parents, youth, schools, businesses, faith leaders and health care providers join together to address teen pregnancy, we can make a difference.

Each day in Montana, approximately three teens give birth. Teen childbearing has serious consequences. Parenthood is the leading reason why teen girls drop out of school. Only 40 percent of teen mothers graduate from high school, and fewer than 2 percent earn a college degree by age 30.

Young women who become pregnant and give birth often experience serious health effects, as do their children. Compared to older parents, teens are more likely to have late or no prenatal care, babies born too small, or too soon, and babies who die within the first year of life.

In addition to social costs, teen childbearing also has significant economic costs. In Montana, the cost to taxpayers associated with teen parenthood is estimated to be $18 million annually. The daughters of young teen mothers are 3 times more likely to become teen mothers themselves, and the sons of teen mothers are twice as likely to end up in prison.

The good news is that unintended pregnancy is 100 percent preventable. Take action today by promoting open and honest discussion about teen sexuality and pregnancy prevention. Encourage teens to delay sex and to use contraception if they choose to have sex. Get involved by contacting Hill County Family Planning and visit the Hill County Health Department Facebook page for upcoming events.

Jessica Kennedy-Stiffarm, RN

Public Health Nurse

Hill County Health Department