Agency essential in curbing rise of teen pregnancy

May is National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month. It is a sad fact that the U.S. teen birthrate has increased for the second year in a row, according to data from the National Center for Health Statistics. We have the highest rates of teen pregnancy among comparable countries. An estimated 750,000 American teens become pregnant each year.

Young people need sex education that provides information about healthy communication, responsible decision making, as well as abstinence and contraception as ways to prevent unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

Planned Parenthood has the largest network of health educators who teach parents and young people in schools and communities nationwide how to protect themselves. It is essential that we support Planned Parenthood in their work in providing young people with comprehensive information about reproductive health, so they can make responsible decisions that virtually affect their lives.
Jeannette Molzer
Red Bank