A Decades-Long Drop in Teen Births Is Slowing, and Advocates Worry a Reversal Is Coming
A Decades-Long Drop in Teen Births Is Slowing, and Advocates ... Hartford Courant
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NASHVILLE Teen Birth Rates May Rise Amidst Changing Landscape
Cicely Wilson, a lactation consultant, doula, and child care expert, goes above and beyond her day job. She is the founder of Sunnyside Up Youth Pregnancy Services, a nonprofit organization that connects girls aged 13 to 19 with the resources they need to care for their babies. Wilson’s after-hours activities include searching for affordable apartments in Nashville, booking medical appointments, finding baby supplies, and hosting conversations with pregnant teens about breastfeeding and mental preparation for childbirth.
Potential Rise in Teen Births
Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade just over a year ago, Wilson believes that more Tennessee teens will choose to carry their pregnancies to term due to limited access to abortion services. She anticipates that there will be an increase in the number of teens who want to parent their babies rather than seeking abortions in other states like Illinois, Georgia, or Florida.
Although the national teen birth rate has significantly declined over the past three decades, there are concerns that the decline may be slowing down. Preliminary data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in June indicates that there could be a rise in teen births in many Southern states, where rates remain among the highest in the country. Factors such as the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down federal protections for abortion rights, pushback against sex education, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth mental health could potentially reverse decades of progress.
Worries and Observations
Healthcare professionals, service providers, and advocates express their concerns about the potential rise in teen births. Laura Andreson, an OB-GYN in Franklin, Tennessee, notes that her women’s health practice has seen an increase in pregnant teenagers, indicating a possible emerging trend.
The CDC reports that the national rate of teen births has dropped by 78% since its peak in 1991. However, the rate of decline has slowed down in recent years. CDC researcher Brady Hamilton suggests that the decline may be reaching a natural plateau as states have achieved their goals. Nevertheless, advocates argue that this leveling off could be a sign of an upcoming rise in teen births.
Factors at Play
Jen Biundo, senior director of research and policy at Healthy Futures of Texas, highlights the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people’s mental health. Increased mental health struggles can be linked to higher rates of teen pregnancy. Biundo explains that individuals with mental health issues may be more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors and form unhealthy relationships.
The decision to strike down abortion rights has led to significant changes in reproductive health legislation across the nation. States like Tennessee have enacted trigger laws that restrict access to abortions. These changes in abortion policy, coupled with the pushback against sex education and contraceptive methods, pose challenges in reducing teen pregnancy rates.
Challenges Faced by Teen Parents
Hannah Lantos, a researcher specializing in maternal and adolescent health, emphasizes that declines in the teen birth rate were not solely driven by access to abortions. Increased access to effective contraceptive methods and comprehensive sex education also played significant roles. However, these tools are now under threat in many states.
Teenagers who decide to keep their pregnancies face unique challenges, including housing. Teen parents often struggle to find affordable housing and may need to rely on co-signers or become roommates to cover basic living expenses. The median rent in Nashville is over $2,000 a month, while the federal minimum wage in Tennessee is $7.25 an hour.
Conclusion
The potential rise in teen births amidst the changing landscape of reproductive health policies and limited access to abortion services raises concerns among healthcare professionals and advocates. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth mental health and the pushback against sex education further compound the challenges faced by teenagers. Sustainable Development Goal 3, Good Health and Well-being, is crucial in addressing these issues and ensuring that teenagers have access to comprehensive reproductive health services, support, and resources.
Sources:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- NPR – Supreme Court’s decision on abortion rights
- KFF Health News – Pushback against sex education
- NPR – Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth mental health
- Child Trends – Report on teen pregnancies and abortions
- Texas Tribune – Ban on sex education curricula in Texas
- NHPR – Blocking federal sex education funding in New Hampshire
- The Post and Courier – South Carolina’s fetal heartbeat law
- Department of Health and Human Services – Trends in teen pregnancy and childbearing
- courant.com
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