Colonial & 19 th Century America

1. Colonial & 19th Century America • Adolescent pregnancy was not considered a problem because of biology and social norms • Like today, men were condoned for having sex while women were not • For women with unwanted pregnancies, abortions were an option

2. 20th Century • In the early 1900’s, a culture of dating and premarital intercourse emerged • Teen Pregnancy was not a problem because young couples would have shotgun weddings

3. The 70’s and 80’s • Teen Pregnancy “epidemic” • Family Planning and Population Research Act of 1970 -Title X • Title IX- Education Amendment of 1972 • Adolescent Family Life Demonstration Projects-Title XX

4. 1990’s • During the 90’s more infants are being born to single mothers • During the Clinton Administration the Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 is enacted effecting welfare of teen moms • In 2006, Bush advocates for abstinence in teens and toward young people up at age 29

5. Plan B • Plan B is an emergency oral contraceptive • Not every state requires it to be available at all pharmacies due to a Conscious Clause • Massachusetts State Law requires that it be made available within 24 hours

6. Daycare • Currently most schools lack programs to help teen moms. • Salem High School has the Teen Parenting Program • Teen Parents are available to meet with students at risk of becoming pregnant

7. Teen Pregnancy in the Media

8. Teen Mom’s as TV Stars Benefits Worries While the four teen moms may struggle on the show they are also on magazine covers each week Worries that teen pregnancy looks glamorous, girls may want their fifteen minutes of fame • The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy applauds MTV's efforts. "I think any effort that puts this issue in front of millions of teenagers week in and week out is a net win”.

9. Events • National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy • May 4, 2011 • stayteen.org has activities • See the National Campaign.org for updated local events