The Bristol Effect: Teen Pregnancy Rates Rise in 26 States

The most recent data on teen birth rates has shown an increase in 26 states across the nation. The highest increase was found in Mississippi with New Mexico and Texas not far behind.

The national birth rate rose 3 percent between 2005 and 2006, marking an end to a 34 percent decline between 1991 and 2005, according to the National Center for Health Statistics report. More

Pinning any one reason down for the significant increase is an impossible feat. Many blame the abstinence-only education given in public schools and its lack of teaching teenagers about contraceptives. Others, on the other hand, cite Hollywood as to blame, for glamorizing unwed pregnant mothers such as Jamie Lynn Spears, and the positive portrayal of teen pregnancy the hit movie Juno.
As anybody who has children or has had a child knows (which is everyone), you can tell a child don’t touch the stove, but unless you have some negative reinforcement, either a smack on the hand or let them feel the heat they’ll never learn. So, why is it that when it comes to pregnancy prevention the best we can do is “No. Don’t do that.” We know it doesn’t work and it seems that the data is in and proves it. With Bristol Palin as the poster child for the effectiveness of Abstinence-only education it doesn't come as a shock to some that teen birth rates have risen in 26 states and that’s just the 2006 data.(I wonder what the abortion rate is? I bet good money that religion goes out the window when little Ellie Mae is in danger of losing her scholarship to the State college because Johnny Do-It-Good knocked her up). I’m willing to bet the numbers are worse for the last two years and everyone knows that birth rates rise in recessions. And I haven’t even addressed the prevalence of STD’s and STI’s among teenagers. What happened to the urgency of the early 90’s where you couldn’t turn on the TV without a new special urging teens to protect themselves and 20/20 specials of women and men speaking out about the devastation of AIDS. Do we just not give a shit anymore?
Now, I can’t remember the last time there was an AIDS in America special and while there is more sex on television than there was 10 years ago when I was in high school, there isn’t nearly as much emphasis on protection. There are no “very special episodes” of The Mentalist or whatever people watch these days. I guess it’s because reality TV took over. Light-hearted “family” fun like Dancing with the Stars and American Idol that don’t deal with “real” things like sex, death and disease, meanwhile little Sally is getting her abstinence-only education that only served as a break from her regular Algebra class. Fast forward 3 months and she’s pregnant and doesn’t know what to say to her parents who have pawned off the “sex” talk to the school system so they wouldn’t have to do it.
What they don’t tell you is that those same parents that say that “sex” should be a family conversation usually don’t have the conversation at all. Outside of, “No. Don’t do that.” Well, I hate to break it to them, but we’re programmed to seek out sexual gratification and it feels good. So, the “no” talk isn’t working very well. So, the school system is going to have to pick up where they’ve dropped the ball, giving comprehensive information so that these kids can make decisions that are in their best interest.
And for you conservatives out there I have to say that sex-education is just a small part of the overall education that is freely given to all Americans. If you don’t agree, much like those who don’t believe in evolution, you are welcome to home school your children. Otherwise the government must take pains to ensure that all of its citizens remain well-educated and healthy in order to better serve as participating citizens in this Democracy.