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Abstinence-Only States Have More Teen Pregnancy

Study shows big regional disparities

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 21, 2010 8:57 AM CDT

(Newser) – While US teen pregnancy rates are falling overall, some states currently have dramatically higher rates than others, according to a new CDC study—and they just happen to be states emphasizing abstinence-only sex education. In New England, for example, 2008 birth rates stood at less than 25 per 1,000 teens ages 15 to 19. But in Mississippi, Arkansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, rates run higher than 60 per 1,000 teens.

Planned Parenthood immediately issued a statement noting the “crystal clear” education correlation. The Hill also points to another recent report from a women’s reproductive health group, which found that all five states with the highest teen birth rates require abstinence be stressed in school, while the four with the lowest rates do not. The CDC considers teen pregnancy a public health issue, because babies born to teens are more likely to be born prematurely, and die as infants.

Teen pregnancies are more common in states that stress abstinence-only sex education.
Teen pregnancies are more common in states that stress abstinence-only sex education.   (Shutterstock)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 61 comments
fractal
Oct 22, 2010 10:21 PM CDT
Standard, reversible vasectomies are going to be here in a few years. If we gave all 12 year old boys one, we could cut the abortion rate----probably at least by half. Seem crazy? We have been talking all evening here about how to deal with teen pregnancy. A woman should not be taking powerful hormones all the time, or spooning a caustic spermicide up her vagina. Or getting the three month hormone shot that makes most gain 50 pounds in a year. Lets face it, condoms are absolutely necessary to cut STD's, but often not used with regularity. Consistency is not really a human trait. Why can't we ask the boys to step up and be the one to get an insert in their coochie, for a change? They can get it reversed when they can afford it, if they want.
Observer
Oct 22, 2010 5:30 PM CDT
This is funny - But it AIN'T funny! Abstinence is a joke for teens nursed on MTV, 9 Inch Niles, Tupac, mass murders, disrupted families, drugs & liquor everywhere. Dream on. The difference this represents is education. Your high birth states are also filled with poor idiots. Sorry but true. Millions of them. I live in TX, have Okie family, visit NM often and have clients in AR. I have spent time in MS as well. (Vicksburg is one of the most haunted cities in America). Drop out rates are 30+ percent. Duh. Don't unwed teen moms actually get money from the government? Much of the rural populations are undereducated permanently. Ignorance, poverty and no vison of a better life lead to many teen moms. Not much else to do in the trailer park after about 8pm and you're constantly bumping up against that cute little neighbor's kid who just turned 16. And she loves pot. Presto! Baby time. It's too easy and stupid.
hatchling1
Oct 22, 2010 3:22 PM CDT

I believe teens need to know there are alternatives to unprotected intercourse and pregnancy. If you limit the choices taught, their education is incomplete and they'll be blissful, but still ignorant. You'd think most people would applaud a lower teen birth rate, lower STD incidence and helping kids deal with their sexuality in a healthy manner, but apparently, I'm wrong. The religious right is blissful in their belief in failed policies, but at what a price to society?

States that have comprehensive sex education curriculums will talk to teens about all sexual alternatives... including abstinence, birth control, homosexuality, masturbation and pregnancy termination. The courses will include study of the psychological and social consequences to teen sex. Taking the program in it's entirety will result in a significantly lower birthrate and yes, a lower pregnancy rate as well.

It's really a shame that a vocal, anti-sex conservative christian minority is able to control school curriculums. It's sad that schools will deny teens a proper sexual education based on their fear of that minority.

US • Health

 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention • Planned Parenthood • sex education • abstinence education • abstinence • teen pregnancy • abstinence-only

 
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