Apr 13, 2009

Despite a recent decline in the number of children born to teenagers in North Carolina, the rate of teenage pregnancies in this state is significantly higher than the national average rate of 42 percent.* Teen pregnancies cost taxpayers more than $300 million annually and the social costs are high as well. New legislation that aims to restructure sex-ed curriculums in schools is making its way through the General Assembly. Today, “The State of Things” host Frank Stasio explores the continuous cycle of children having children, the cultural trends that encourage sexual activity among the young, and what specific solutions might reduce the rate of teen pregnancies. Joining the conversation are Sarah Brown, CEO of the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancies; University of North Carolina journalism professor Jane Brown; Amanda van Scoyoc, a fellow at the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University; and Sydney Brunson a member of the Youth Council for the North Carolina Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Campaign.

To listen to the program, click here:
http://wunc.org/tsot/archive/sot0408abc09.mp3/view

*The program description states the national teen pregnancy rate as 42 percent. The actual rate is about 4.25 percent. Source: CDC Newsroom Press Release March 18, 2009
http://www.cdc.gov/media/pressrel/2009/r090318.htm