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Intro
According to the national
nonprofit organization Advocates for Youth,
Since 1991, U.S. teenage pregnancy,
abortion, and birth rates have declined
steadily in every age and racial/ ethnic
group. Teenage birth rates
declined in every state as well as in the
District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands.
Research indicates that sexually
active teens are becoming more effective
users of contraception and that more teens
are choosing to remain abstinent during
early and middle adolescence.
Nevertheless, the United States continues to
have higher rates of teen pregnancy, birth,
and abortion than other industrialized
nations. Teens ages 18 and 19 account for as
much as 66 percent of U.S. teen births. Most
teenage mothers come from socially and/or
economically disadvantaged backgrounds and
adolescent motherhood often compounds this
disadvantage (click here for source).
More bad news?
The Freechild Project believes that young people still
aren't getting the information they need to
be powerful agents for change.
Point to Ponder
"Get It Together - Get Cool! We
Need to Learn about SEX in School!" -
Youth-created protest poster
Resources
The following organizations, programs,
websites and publications have been
identified by Freechild to provide
information that young people can use as
change agents and activists in their
communities.
Organizations & Programs
Advocates for Youth
Dedicated to creating programs and advocating for policies that help young
people make informed and responsible decisions about their reproductive and
sexual health. Advocates provides information, training, and strategic
assistance to youth-serving organizations, policy makers, youth activists,
and the media in the United States and the developing world.
Coalition for Positive Sexuality
Advocating the right of youth to be informed about and in control of their own bodies
Rock for Choice
Opposes parental consent laws for abortion, giving young women control over their own bodies. Supports the Becky Bell campaign, named after a girl who died because she could not get consent for an abortion.
SIECUS
The Sexuality Information and Education Council of the U.S. (SIECUS)
is a national, nonprofit organization which affirms that
sexuality is a natural and healthy part of living. Incorporated
in 1964, SIECUS develops, collects, and disseminates
information, promotes comprehensive education about sexuality,
and advocates the right of individuals to make responsible
sexual choices.
Pro-Choice Public Education Project
A collaborative
project of the country's leading national pro-choice
organizations dedicated to empowering this new generation of
pro-choice activists and supporters. With the input of young
pro-choice leaders, PEP puts choice on the radar screens of
today's young women, educates them about threats to reproductive
rights, and provides them with tools for action.
Websites
Scarleteen
The most youth-accessible comprehensive website out there about sexual
information for young people.
Providing "sex education for the real world," including information on birth
control, safer sex, STDs, masturbation, anatomy, sexual orientation and
identification, and communication between sexual and romantic partners.
Go Ask Alice!
Produced
by Columbia University's Health Education program, offering questions and
answers on relationships, sexuality, and sexual health.
It's Your (Sex) Life
Providing
reliable, objective sexual health information for young people.
IWannaKnow.org
Created by the American Social Health Association, offering information on
STDs, body basics, and dealing with peer pressure.
Teen Advice
Online
Featuring teen volunteers from around the world
replying to teens' and parents' questions and concerns.
Teen Scene
Offering sexual health information and stories by
peer health educators.
Dr. Drew
For even more answers about relationships, STDs, pregnancy and birth
control, visit the host of MTV and radio's Loveline at this site. You can
ask questions, share your health concerns with Dr. Drew, chat with others,
and find out the most recent health information that affects you.
Teenwire
This site from Planned
Parenthood gives great information on young men's and
women's bodies, how not to have sex if you don't want it, safer sex, and
dealing with breaking up. It also gives referrals to local clinics.
Sex Etc.
A website by teens for teens; this site helps youth become sexually
healthy people and avoid pregnancy and disease during their teenage years.
Publications
International Planned Parenthood Federation Youth Manifesto
Youth Speak Out for Reproductive Rights
Article about young people
from around the world by the United Nations.
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