Teen pregnancy prevention campaign shocked by striking numbers

The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy held a briefing on “Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Teen Pregnancy.” Delegate Donna M. Christensen (United States Virgin Islands) said that although teen pregnancy rates have consistently gone down, too many young women are still getting pregnant, preventing them from reaching their full potential.

Sarah S. Brown, the Chief Executive Officer for the National Campaign said that huge progress was made against teen pregnancy in the 1990s, but the steady decline may have stagnated, and possibly reversed. Also, the numbers of teen pregnancies by race are very disproportionate. Brown said that 32 percent of Latina teens, 24 percent of African-American teens, and 21 percent of Native American teens are mothers by their 20th birthdays, while only 11 percent of their Caucasian peers become mothers. Alvaro Simmons, the Chief Operating Officer at Mary’s Center for Maternal and Child Care said that teen pregnancy must be put on the public health agenda and gain the status of the obesity epidemic in health issues.

Mass security

The challenge of protecting mass gatherings from acts of terror was discussed by the House Homeland Security Committee. Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) said that though the federal government is involved in high-level national events, places like state fairs, collegiate sporting events, and shopping complexes often lack adequate security.

After speaking three minutes over his alloted time making statements during questioning, Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.) was denied an extension of time by acting chair Rep. Donna Christensen (D-Virgin Islands,) a decision Pascrell tried to reverse through debate. Christensen expressed concern that local governments would be unable to meet the medical need after a disaster, noting that many hospitals are already full. Rep. Christopher Shays (R-Conn.) asked said he believes the public has the right to know if intelligence suggests an event is at risk.

Colonel Robert Stephan, USAF (Ret.) of the Department of Homeland Security said federal, state, and local governments have improved their ability to work with one another and said that security and capability gaps are being recognized and fixed sooner. Stephan said the next presidential administration will need to work to make an efficient and even budget.