According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, nearly 3 in 10 girls will become pregnant before the age of 20. In 2012, 305,388 teens (ages 15-19) gave birth. Meanwhile, about 18% of women obtaining abortions are teenagers (i.e. about 200,000). Due to these high numbers, many people are rightly concerned about the need for education and resources for these young women. How do we prevent teen pregnancy from happening in the first place? How do we teach teens to be responsible in their relationships so that they may make healthy decisions (for their bodies and their hearts)? How do we provide resources that will support a teen in her decision to choose life for her child?
May is Teen Pregnancy Awareness Month. This month, students are encouraged to get involved in efforts to educate their peers. Parents, teachers, mentors and leaders are encouraged to seriously address the issues that our youth are challenged with in relationships with the opposite sex. We encourage you to focus on abstinence education and to teach your peers the importance of mutual respect in relationships. Hidden Choices challenges students and adults to truthfully talk about sex and what we can all do to address the issue of teen pregnancy and teen parenting. The choice is yours to say NO to early and unhealthy sex. Your help is needed TODAY to raise awareness on this critical issue!
