Teen pregnancies rise; sex-ed funding dropped
Brock Hummel
Issue date: 2/4/10 Section: News
The latest federal government study shows the pregnancy rate of 15 to 19-year-old girls has risen 3 percent, making it the first jump since 1990. Because of this, the White House is rethinking its position on sexual education.
According to the Huffington Post, President Barack Obama's administration has eliminated more than $150 million of funding for sex-education groups that focus on abstinence as birth control.
The same study showed that Louisiana ranks as the 18th worst state for teen pregnancies, with roughly 7 percent of Louisiana women aged 15-19 becoming pregnant.
"Teen pregnancy has risen so much in the past 20 years because sex does not adhere to fear anymore," said Kat Chreene, a member of the Association of Women Students.
While Tech has no official position on sexual education, it encourages students to adhere to the safe sex method.
"Tech is geared more toward the safe sex route," said Brooke Bond, a senior political science major. "Both are effective. People who choose to have sex should practice safe sex, and schools should tell students the ways to prevent pregnancy such as condoms or birth control."
Some students have other ideas as to why the pregnancy rate has suddenly risen.
Vanessa Spratley, a sophomore chemical engineering major, believes the media has played a part.
"The media glamorizes the idea [of teen pregnancy] through shows like '16 and Pregnant' and movies like 'Juno,'" Spratley said.
Other students believe sexual education is irrelevant at the college level and the recent spike in teenage pregnancy is a responsibility problem.
"Sex education should be taught in high school," said Hannah Howe, a sophomore chemical engineering major.
"By the time you get to Tech, you should be a young adult capable of making personal decisions."
Many students agree with Howe's opinion on personal responsibility.
"We cannot prevent teens from having sex; it is ultimately their decision," said Chreene.
According to the Huffington Post, President Barack Obama's administration has eliminated more than $150 million of funding for sex-education groups that focus on abstinence as birth control.
The same study showed that Louisiana ranks as the 18th worst state for teen pregnancies, with roughly 7 percent of Louisiana women aged 15-19 becoming pregnant.
"Teen pregnancy has risen so much in the past 20 years because sex does not adhere to fear anymore," said Kat Chreene, a member of the Association of Women Students.
While Tech has no official position on sexual education, it encourages students to adhere to the safe sex method.
"Tech is geared more toward the safe sex route," said Brooke Bond, a senior political science major. "Both are effective. People who choose to have sex should practice safe sex, and schools should tell students the ways to prevent pregnancy such as condoms or birth control."
Some students have other ideas as to why the pregnancy rate has suddenly risen.
Vanessa Spratley, a sophomore chemical engineering major, believes the media has played a part.
"The media glamorizes the idea [of teen pregnancy] through shows like '16 and Pregnant' and movies like 'Juno,'" Spratley said.
Other students believe sexual education is irrelevant at the college level and the recent spike in teenage pregnancy is a responsibility problem.
"Sex education should be taught in high school," said Hannah Howe, a sophomore chemical engineering major.
"By the time you get to Tech, you should be a young adult capable of making personal decisions."
Many students agree with Howe's opinion on personal responsibility.
"We cannot prevent teens from having sex; it is ultimately their decision," said Chreene.
Be the first to comment on this story