The Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiative Teen pregnancy is prominent on the list of risk factors which contribute to violence and its causes. Teen pregnancy can doom children to growing up in poverty and, ultimately, be at risk for yet another cycle of teen pregnancy, absent fathers, domestic violence, and dropping out of school. New Mexico chronically ranks near the bottom (worst) for teen pregnancy. In Taos County, the 2006 birthrate for teenage girls was 56 per 1000, an increase from the 2004 rate of 44.2 (source: NM Vital Records and Health Statistics), compared with the national average for 2006 of 41.9 (source: the Center for Disease Control). |
MEN has stepped up to address Teen Pregnancy Prevention from the male side. As part of the Fatherhood Program, young men and first-time fathers are trained to either avoid premature pregnancies or accept parenting and financial responsibility for pregnancies which have already occurred. Over time, MEN will offer classes in teen pregnancy prevention and sexual responsibility at the high school. Peer-to-peer modeling is the best way to reach teenagers with the message of Teen Pregnancy Prevention. Accordingly, MEN consulted graduating high school seniors in the class of ’09 to find out how to best promote sexual responsibility in the Media Campaign. The students were clear that ads should primarily feature young couples. The accompanying slideshow is the result of their input and willingness to participate. MEN hopes to install a permanent display case at Taos High School with revolving posters of such Taos News ads. To further engage students, we have announced a competition with cash prizes for the three best slogans for future ads. To learn more, see the October 1st Taos News “Nonviolence” column on Teen Pregnancy Prevention. |
