Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention

Teen Pregnancy Facts in Idaho and South Central Public Health District

• In 2010, there were 2,218 teen pregnancies in the State of Idaho and 379 of these were in District 5.

• Unplanned teen pregnancies cost Idaho taxpayers approximately 39 million dollars a year in Medicaid, foster care, and incarceration. These figures are not surprising given that children born from teen pregnancies often have poorer mental and physical health compared to children born from planned adult pregnancies.

In an effort to decrease teen pregnancies in the State of Idaho, the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention (APP) program was created to provide sexual health/risk avoidance education and activities to reinforce what is taught. This program teaches youth and their parents/caregivers through an evidence based curriculum called "Reducing the Risk." Reducing the Risk helps teens to:

• Evaluate the risks and consequences of becoming an adolescent parent or becoming infected with HIV or another STD.

• Recognize that abstaining from sexual activity or using contraception are the only ways to avoid pregnancy, HIV infection, and other STDs.

• Conclude that factual information about conception and protection is essential for avoiding teenage pregnancy, HIV infection, and other STDs.

• Demonstrate effective communication skills for remaining abstinent and for avoiding unprotected sexual intercourse.

For more information about the Reducing the Risk program and ETR Associates, visit their website: www.etr.org

Teen Pregnancy Facts:

• Approximately one million girls become pregnant in the United States each year.

• 40% are under the age of 17.

• The US has the highest rate of teen pregnancy among developed nations.

• Taxpayers spend approximately $7 billion a year to cover the social costs of adolescent pregnancy.

• 4 in 10 girls become pregnant at least once before the age of 20.

• The number one age group for contracting STDs is between 15-24 years old.

• One quarter of all new HIV infections in the US are in the 13-20 age group.

• Only 1/3 of teen mothers receive a high school diploma.



• Sons of teen mothers are 13% more likely to end up in jail as are other young men.

For information on teen pregnancy in Idaho, and facts and information for parents and teens, please visit: www.idahoteenpregnancy.com

 

Mt. Harrison High School

The "Reducing the Risk" curriculum is presently taught at Mt. Harrison High School (MHHS). Along with classes being taught, the MHHS Student Council is working to reinforce principles of Positive Youth Development including: adolescent pregnancy prevention, healthy relationships and leadership through peer group activities that encourage positive behavior.

 

Local Contact

For more information about the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention program at South Central Public Health District, or if you would like help getting the "Reducing the Risk" curriculum into your school, please contact:

Adria Masoner
Health Education Specialist
2311 Parke Ave, Unit 4 Ste 4
Burley, ID 83318
Phone: (208) 678-8221
Email

 

Links

The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy

Shoulder to Shoulder

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) – National
Prevention Information Network

The Naked Truth