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Teen pregnancy rates remain high in the U.S., with three out of every 40 teenagers become pregnant before the age of 20.[1] Pregnancy affects minority women disproportionately: African American/black and Latina women experience rates that are up to 2.8 times higher than that of white women.[1] In fact, 58% of black women and half of all Latina women become pregnant at least once before the age of 20.[2,3] These figures indicate that teen pregnancy remains a serious problem, especially for young women in these two groups.

How Can I Prevent An Unintended Pregnancy?

Pregnancy and childbearing can be difficult for any young person because of the enormous responsibilities and challenges associated with both. If you are not ready to have a child, there are ways to prevent pregnancy. Abstinence from sexual activity is the only sure way to keep from getting pregnant. However, if you are sexually active, you can use birth control to reduce the risk of becoming pregnant. There are many forms of birth control: methods include condoms, the pill, the patch, the shot, and the ring.

Condoms are the only form of birth control that also helps prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms are available in most pharmacies, supermarkets, convenience stores and health centers and you don’t need parental permission to purchase them. Emergency contraception is the only method that can be used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex if your birth control fails or none was used at all. In the United States, emergency contraception (morning after pills) are now available without a prescription for women and men 17 and older. Just ask your pharmacist for Plan B One-Step.

The newly approved Plan B One-Step is just one pill to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. Emergency contraception is most effective when taken within three days (72 hours) of unprotected sex; it may still work up to five days (120 hours) after sex.

The original Plan B (which is a two pill dosage) is gradually being replaced in pharmacies by Plan B One-Step. Plan B is still available over-the counter to women and men aged 18 and older, and by prescription to younger women. If you are 17 years old, call your pharmacy first to see if they carry the new pill, Plan B One-Step, which is available over-the-counter to women and men aged 17 and older.

Learn more about available forms of birth control at Amplify.

Resources For Teen Parents

Are you a teen parent? There are many programs available to help you with parenting, child care, nutrition and health, and attending school. Visit Healthy Teen Network or Sex, Etc for a list of resources. You may also contact your local United Way by dialing 211 or visiting their website.

References:

1. Guttmacher Institute. U.S. Teenage Pregnancy Statistics and State Trends and Trends by Race and Ethnicity. 2006.
2. National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. “Fact Sheet: Teen Sexual Activity, Pregnancy and Childbearing among Black Teens.” 2006.
3. National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. “Fact Sheet: Teen Sexual Activity, Pregnancy and Childbearing among Latinos in the United States.” 2006.