A Decades-Long Drop in Teen Births Is Slowing, and Advocates Worry a Reversal Is Coming – KFF Health News
A Decades-Long Drop in Teen Births Is Slowing, and Advocates ... KFF Health News
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Teen Birth Rates Could Rise in Southern States, Potentially Undoing Decades of Progress
Introduction
Cicely Wilson, a lactation consultant, doula, and child care expert, goes above and beyond her day job by founding a nonprofit called Sunnyside Up Youth Pregnancy Services. This organization connects girls aged 13 to 19 with the resources they need to care for their babies. Wilson’s work involves finding affordable apartments, booking medical appointments, acquiring baby supplies, and hosting conversations with pregnant teens about breastfeeding and mental preparation for childbirth.
Potential Rise in Teen Birth Rates
Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade just over a year ago, Wilson anticipates that more Tennessee teens will choose to carry their pregnancies to term due to limited access to abortion services. Doctors, service providers, and advocates express concerns that the full data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) later this year may reveal a rise in teen births in many Southern states, where rates remain high. Factors such as the Supreme Court’s decision on abortion rights, political pushback against sex education, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth mental health could contribute to this potential rise.
Current Teen Birth Rate Trends
The national teen birth rate has declined by 78% since its peak in 1991. However, preliminary data released by the CDC in June suggests that the rate of decline may be slowing. CDC researcher Brady Hamilton explains that the decline in teen birth rates over the past 15 years may be reaching a natural plateau as states have achieved their goals.
Concerns and Potential Factors
Advocates argue that the leveling off of teen birth rates could indicate the start of a rise in teen births. Factors such as mental health struggles among young people, changes in abortion policy, and attacks on sex education programs contribute to this concern. Access to contraception and effective sex education methods are also under threat in many states.
Impact of Abortion Policy Changes
The decision to strike down abortion rights has led to significant changes in reproductive health legislation across the country. Trigger laws, which overturn the right to most abortions, have been enacted in states like Tennessee. Additionally, some states have implemented restrictive laws, such as the “fetal heartbeat law” in South Carolina, which bans most abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy. These changes in abortion policy raise concerns about the future of teen birth rates.
Challenges Faced by Teen Parents
Teen parents face unique challenges in taking care of newborns. Housing is one of the greatest challenges, as teenagers often need a co-signer on a lease and struggle with high rental costs. Sunnyside Up has encouraged clients to become roommates to address this issue. Lack of prenatal care is also a concern for pregnant teens, as they are more likely to experience complications compared to older expectant mothers.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The potential rise in teen birth rates highlights the need for accessible and comprehensive reproductive health services for teenagers.
- SDG 4: Quality Education – Attacks on sex education programs hinder efforts to provide young people with accurate and science-based information about sexual health and contraception.
- SDG 5: Gender Equality – Teen pregnancy can have long-term consequences for young girls, affecting their education, economic opportunities, and overall well-being.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Teen pregnancy rates are often higher among marginalized communities, emphasizing the need for targeted support and resources.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Affordable housing options and support services are crucial for teen parents to ensure their well-being and that of their children.
Conclusion
The potential rise in teen birth rates in Southern states raises concerns about the progress made in reducing teen pregnancies. Factors such as changes in abortion policy, limited access to contraception and sex education, and challenges faced by teen parents highlight the need for continued efforts to address these issues and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to these SDGs because they involve the health and well-being of teenage mothers, access to education and information about reproductive health, gender equality in terms of decision-making about pregnancy, economic challenges faced by teenage parents, and the potential impact on social justice and equality.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.7: By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programs.
- SDG 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.
- SDG 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Program of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences.
- SDG 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
- SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
- SDG 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
These targets are relevant to the issues discussed in the article as they address the need for access to sexual and reproductive health services, comprehensive education on reproductive health, gender equality in decision-making, economic opportunities for young parents, social inclusion, and reducing violence.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These include:
- Teen birth rate per 100,000 people
- Percentage of teenagers opting for abortion
- Access to affordable housing for teenage parents
- Availability of comprehensive sex education in schools
- Percentage of teenagers receiving prenatal care
- Percentage of teenagers experiencing mental health struggles
These indicators can provide insights into the progress made towards achieving the targets under the relevant SDGs.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.7: By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programs. | – Teen birth rate per 100,000 people – Percentage of teenagers opting for abortion – Percentage of teenagers receiving prenatal care |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development. | – Availability of comprehensive sex education in schools |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Program of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences. | – Percentage of teenagers opting for abortion – Availability of comprehensive sex education in schools |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value. | – Access to affordable housing for teenage parents |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status. | – Access to affordable housing for teenage parents |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere. | – Teen birth rate per 100,000 people |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: kffhealthnews.org
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