Teen Pregnancy

The news of 16-year-old Jamie Lynn Spears's pregnancy Tuesday was shocking to many, including herself. The star of Nickelodeon's "Zoey 101" series and younger sister of Britney Spears said she was pregnant by her boyfriend, Casey Aldridge. She spoke with OK! magazine, which had the exclusive cover story. "I was in complete shock, and so was he," she stated.

Bill Albert, deputy director of the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, a nonproft, nonpartisan organization, was online Friday, Dec. 21, at 3 p.m. ET to discuss teen pregnancy and prevention.

A transcript follows.

____________________

Bill Albert: Greetings all,

The recent uptick in the teen birth rate (the first increase in 14 years) and the announcement that 16-year-old Jamie Lynn Spears is pregnant has certainly gotten folks talking about teen sex, pregnancy, and parenthood. Happy to continue the discussion here and answer any questions you might have.

_______________________

Takoma Park, Md.: Everyone is talking about Jamie Lynn Spears but few are making similar comments about the boy who got her pregnant. Why do we give boys a pass on this? What should parents be saying to their SONS?

Bill Albert: Great point! The truth of the matter is the old double standard --- telling girls to say no and boys to be careful -- is still alive and well. That is partly the fault of all of us who deal with these issues everyday. For too long we have seen early pregnancy and birth as a "girls problem." When we finally realized that it actually takes two to tango our general response has been to turn pink pamphlets into blue pamphlets and hand them out to teen boys.

The truth is parents need to talk to their sons as well as their daughters. They need to model responsible relationships, and they need to help young men understand that being a man is more than having sex.

One final point...dads should not get a pass on this. To the extend that these issues are discussed it is almost always mom who is doing the talking.

_______________________

Denver, Colo.: Are teens more fertile than women in their late 20's and early 30's (When I believe most women become mothers now)? Along with mistakes they may make due to youth, is it easier for them to become pregnant accidentally?

Bill Albert: As a general matter yes --- teens are biologically quite...ah...ready to have babies.

_______________________

Somewhere in Ohio: Obviously, I have no direct knowledge of the birth control methods JLS may or may not have used and how these methods may have failed her.

However, as a high school guidance counselor, I have seen the direct results of the "abstinence-only" education given to our teens. As soon as the teens stop abstaining, they have no reliable birth contol method. In my school district, we welcome Abstinence Only speakers who tell classes that condoms don't protect against pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. Yet we refuse to allow Planned Parenthood in the building.

I tell students that it is better to put off sexual activity as long as possible, but if they do choose to be sexually active, they must be sexually responsible and that means using a reliable form of birth control.

Many teenage girls believe that pregnancy could never happen to them, that making an abstinence pledge somehow protects them even if they are not abstinent, and as long as they are not using birth control, they did not really mean to have sex.

Do you think that Abstinence Only education is a cause of our rising teen birth rate?

Bill Albert: The short answer is that we do not know why the teen birth rate increased 3% between 2005 and 2006 -- the first increase in 15 years. That is because we do not yet have corresponding data on sexual activity, contraceptive use, pregnancy, or abortion yet. So we don't know.

We suspect that complacency may have become the enemy of progress. Consecutive years of declines in the teen birth rate may have led decision-makers to diver important attention, resources, and funding to other press issues.

It is also interesting to note that while the teen birth rate did increase, it also increased for women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s suggesting the explanation may not rest entirely on teen-specific factors alone. In fact, an article in the Post this morning notes that the fertility rate in the U.S. is at a 35 year high.

_______________________

Arlington, Va.: Do you think that Britney's sister's teen pregnancy sounds the death knell for "Abstinence-Only" education in public schools? Fourteen states have already opted out of the federal dollars they could receive to teach abstinence-only sex ed. Do you think all 36 other states will soon follow?

Bill Albert: As you note, there does seem to be a real shift going on regarding abstinence-only education. It seems unlikely to me that 36 states will soon follow the lead of the 14 but undoubtedly more will be saying thanks but no thanks to the abstinence money.

I think it has little to do with Jamie Lynn Spears pregnancy and much more to do with the fact that, at present, we simply have no compelling evidence to suggest that abstinence-only interventions are effective. On the other hand, we have a growing amount of evidence suggesting that sex education that discusses BOTH abstinence and contraception are effective at delaying sex and improving contraceptive use among sexually active teens.

The teen pregnancy rate in the U.S. has declined an extraordinary 36% since 1990 due to less sex and more contraception. We need more of both.

_______________________

washingtonpost.com: U.S. Fertility Rate Hits 35-Year High, Stabilizing Population ( Post, Dec. 21)

_______________________

RTP, N.C.: As a pediatrician, I've seen first-hand the amount of sexual activity and PRESSURES for teens to have sex. One girl weeping in my office because her friends tell her she is "acting like she's better than them" because she is still a virgin. One boy who refuses to use condoms because if his girlfriend becomes pregnant, he'll just "step up to the plate". A girl who was raped and refused the morning after pill because "my mama wants a grandbaby".

Most teens know more about sex than in the past (or so it seems some days), but misinformation is rampant (douching prevents pregnancy, you can't get an STD via oral or anal sex, "everybody is doing it", etc). I've never had a teen tell me that they planned to have more sex after I tell them truthful information (and some have sworn off). Abstinence education is a farce. And I always say, no one gave me a pamphlet on sex ed when I applied for my marriage licence.

Teaching people to respect and learn about their bodies and minds is the best way to ensure a healthy sexual life. Sexual desires are normal, so we should TALK ABOUT THEM. Encourage those who aren't having sex and congratulate the ones who are properly using birth control AND STD protection. Parents need to talk to their kids, but if they are too afraid or embarassed, talk to your pediatrician. It takes a lot for me to blush, but I'd rather have a healthy teen than an uninformed one.

Bill Albert: Amen! Sadly, misinformation and myths are, as you note, rampant.

At the very least it seems to me that we need to let young people know many things, including: 1) not everyone is doing it, 2) providing them more detailed information about contraception, 3)encouraging parents to get in the game, and 4) help make these issues of sex, love, relationships, values, etc a more natural part of the conversations parents have with their kids. An 18 year conversation if you will.

_______________________

Southern Maryland:"I was in complete shock, and so was he."

This statement alone proves to me that we need better sex education in our country. She's 16, he's 19 and they didn't realize that having unprotected sex can lead to pregnancy? How many other teens are out there don't know how babies are made?

I believe we need better, comprehensive sex education in all of our schools. Studies have shown that abstinence-only education isn't preventing kids from having sex, just delaying it a short time and when they do have sex they are more likely to not use protection.

So how do we get the government to stop pushing for the abstinence-only cirriculum and fund something that does work to prevent teen pregnancies and STI's? What can we do to help?

Bill Albert: I had the same feeling. That Jamie Lynn Spears was surprised that she got pregnant after having sex suggests to me that she wasn't ready to have sex. I mean honestly.

Again, not to sound like a broken record, but the teen pregnancy rate in this country declined 36% because of BOTH less sex and more contraception. Clearly, we need more of both.

Also, every single public opinion survey we have ever conducted (and other groups for that matter) makes clear that the overwhelming proportion of parents want their kids to get more information about both abstinence and contraception. Not either/or.

These are complimentary strategies, not contradictory ones.

_______________________

Houston,Texas: I'd like to know why the boyfriend will not be charged with rape since she is an underage minor. In the case of Genarlow Wilson, he was charged with rape and sentenced to 10 years behind bars. Although he was recently released, help me understand why he was charged with a sexual crime even though it was consensual sex. While each state is different, seems like the inequity is pervasive across the country. From a legal and justice perspective, what will the government do here?

Bill Albert: I have to admit that I am not an expert in this area other than to underscore what you have already noted. That is, each state handles these issues differently.

On a related note, however, I do think that the age difference between Jamie (16) and her boyfriend (19) is something that parents should pay attention to. To old folks like me, age differences of 3 years are nothing. To teens they are significant. Research makes clear that teens who are in relationships with someone three or more years older are much more likley to report that sex was unwanted, they are less likely to use contraception, and -- not surprisingly -- more likely to get pregnant than those teens who are in relationships with someone near their own age.

Warning sign for parents: teens in relationships with partners 3 or more years older.

_______________________

Baltimore, Md.: The Spears' family dynamic should hardly leave this latest and unfortunate situation as a surprise to anyone. With that said; what is a good resource to use on ways to broach this subject with our kids? Thanks.

Bill Albert: Well...a bit of shameless self-promotion. We have two resoources for parents that might be helpful.

1) Ten Tips for Parents http://www.thenationalcampaign.org/parents/ten_tips.aspx

2) Talking Back: What Teens Want Parents to Know

http://www.thenationalcampaign.org/parents/talking_back.aspx

Of course, as you note, the Spears pregnancy really is a terrific opening for parents to discuss these issues with their kids.

_______________________

Silver Spring, Md.: How much of this increase in the teenage birth rate can be attributed to the growing Hispanic population? I know in Montgomery County, it's being used to explain it, but I wasn't sure if that trend was true nationally.

Bill Albert: The teen pregnancy and birth rates have happily declined among all racial and ethnic groups. However, it is also the case that the pregnancy and birth rates in the Hispanic community have not declined as dramatically as among other groups.

Also, the recent increase in the teen birth rate occurred among ALL racial and ethnic groups.

_______________________

washingtonpost.com: Ten Tips For Parents ( The National Campaign)

_______________________

Rosslyn, Va.: But it's not just a question of public opinion. There are people in the U.S. who are deeply convinced that talking to teenagers about sex makes them MORE likely to have it. In fact, studies have shown more than once that giving teens FULL information about sexual activity, including information on birth control, actually DELAYS sexual initiation and makes teenagers more likely to practice safe sex if they DO decide to have sex. We never seem to talk about that publicly, and I can't help but wonder why. The evidence that comprehensive sex education works is there: why aren't we using it?

Bill Albert: You are quite right, research published by our organization and others make clear that sex education that stresses the value of delay and the value of sexually active teens using contraception has been shown to delay sexual activity and improve contraceptive use. We continue to share this news with policymakeres, practitioners, and others.

Another point you make here is very, very important. That is, some parents continue to worry that talking about sex and contraception somehow gives tacit approval to young people about having sex or that such conversations might "put ideas in their heads." Research isn't clear on many things but it is crystal clear on this. As you suggest, there is NO evidence that talking to teens about sex makes them more likely to have it.

_______________________

washingtonpost.com: Talking Back ( The National Campaign)

_______________________

What's So Wrong About Abstinence?: I see we have the anti-abstinence crowd here today. Although I agree it should not be the ONLY option, why do we, as adults, take this stance as 'well, they're just going to do it anyway...may as well give them condoms?' I mean, come on! We're the parents! We're the adults! How about acting like it vs. being their friends?! I see it all the time. As a Gen-Xer my childhood had rules. I obeyed them. If I didn't, I would face the consequences. My peers all want to be their kids' friends and not their parents. What is with that? What was so horrible about our childhoods?!

Bill Albert: I hope you don't take my responses to be anti-abstinence. We believe that abstinence is the first and best choice for teens, particulalry young teens.

However, encouraging young people to delay should be coupled with information about contraception and strong encouragement to use it if sexually active. I have yet to find a teen who finds this a confusing or mixed message.

Again, we need more of both.

_______________________

Los Angeles, Calif.: It seems that the media and government pay a lot of attention to teen pregnancy (even before the Jamie Lynn Spears scandal) but what about women in their 20s who are having children before they are ready, often without being married or otherwise equipped to deal with parenthood? That seems like a major problem that no one is really paying attention to.

Bill Albert: Indeed. The fact of the matter is that while teen pregnancy and birth rates have declined dramatically, the rate of unplanned pregnancy among women in their 20s has -- at best --- remained stable or gotten worse. This is an issue that precious few seem to be paying attention to and the primary reason why our organization --- after ten years of focusing exclusively on teen pregnancy --- has now moved up the age scale to see what can be done about bringing down the rate of unplanned pregnancy among young adults.

Thanks for brining this up...very important point.

_______________________

Derwood, Md.: Couldn't all the energy in the abortion debate spent on vitriol and opposition produce better returns invested in the point of agreement -- prevention? So much is made of a "woman's right to choose." But which is the choice that really gives a woman liberation? Is it the choice to be able to have an abortion -- a psychologically traumatic experience? Is that really freedom? It seems that real freedom of choice, real liberation for women, only resides in the hope of a culture which would prevent the necessity of an abortion in the first place. Do you agree that prevention is a potential antidote to the culture war over abortion?

Bill Albert: It has been encouraging to me that more opinion leaders and others in this country now seem to be focusing on prevention. Not surprisingly, we think that is a very, very good thing. People of good will may disagree about abortion, but certainly almost all of us can agree helping prevent unplanned pregnancies in the first place. For this reason and others, our organization continues to focus on prevention.

_______________________

Another Takoma Park, Md.: This American life did a wonderful story about h Pregnant and Confused. How to Deal. ( Sex, etc.). It's a Web site about sex (obviously) written by teens for teens. It's a great place for adults to go to get a real idea about what teens are thinking and asking. Knowledge is power.

Bill Albert: Thanks for this. Sex, etc has been long at the forefront of publishing materials for teens by teens and is a great resource.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Obviosuly Jamie Lynn Spears is the exception -- in that she's wealthy and famous. What is it like for the average 16-year-old who gets pregnant?

Also, because of our celebrity-saturated culture, I fear that young girls might think it's cool to have babies now that Jamie Lynn is doing it. Is there a connection between pop culture and real life on this stuff?

Bill Albert: No doubt that celebrities and the media culture in general help shape social norms. However, if we agree that our culture has become more sexualized over the past 15 years or so, why might it be that teen sexual behavior has become more responsible during that same period?

My point here is simply that the media is not to blame for teen sex or pregnancy. At the same time, however, I think parents and adults can help young people interpret what they see, hear, and read.

_______________________

Toronto, Canada: Any idea how U.S. teen pregnancy rates compare to other developed countries?

I ask this as the U.S. seems to be the only developed country that consistently withholds information on contraceptives from young students.

Bill Albert: Even taking into account the 36% decline in teen pregnancy and 1/3rd decline in teen births, the U.S. remains the outlier on these issues.

U.S. rates of teen pregnancy and birth are about twice as high as those in Great Britain, our closest competitor.

Frankly, we don't know why are rates are so out there but strongly suspect that in many, many other countries there is a very strong social norm that getting pregnant and having a child as a teen is simply not okay. We do not have as strong a social norm in this country it seems to me.

_______________________

Hokah, Minn.: Hello Mr. Albert, great chat. Do you think that society sends a mixed message? Like it's okay, almost fun and cool, to have a baby? I mean we seem to celebrate motherhood in all the celebrity glossies. How is a teenager supposed to intrepret that? Society celebrates the Madonnas and Angelinas so how is Jamie Lynn Spears so different? I think it's actually unfair to call her out on it. There is no stigma about being pregnant and not married. In fact, it seems to be embraced.

Bill Albert: Thanks for the kind words. A significant minority of teens do believe that having a baby would be fun and cool. All the more reason that parents, in particular, need to help young people understand about the challenges teen moms face (only one-third ever finish high school, let along go on to college) and that their children face (lower education attainment, higher risk of poverty, the list goes on and one).

Also, to state the obvious, Jamie Lynn Spears is not a typical 16 year old nor is Madonna and Angelina a typical adult. That much should be made clear if it isn't already.

_______________________

Alexandria, Va.: I have to say, I have to laugh at the uproar surrounding all this. Women have been having babies in their teens since the beginning of time. I mean, it's not like this is a new phenomenom caused by the horrifying moral epidemic in America. I feel like so much of the coverage is now focusing on how slack our morals are getting in the U.S. But I bet teenage pregnancy is down from 200 years ago!

Bill Albert: Quite right -- teen pregnancy has always been with us. In fact, the teen pregnancy rate in the U.S. is about where it was in the 1950s. What has changed, however, is our culture. The consequences of having a child as a teen today are far more serious than in decades past. For example, in the 1950s it was not unusual for a teen boy with a high school education to support a family quite nicely. In this day and age -- in this global economy -- those examples are rare indeed.

_______________________

Silver Spring. Md.: What about the housing aspect of this, if these teens are faced with the prospect of being stuck in the parental home for years, unable to move out to college or with roomates because of a baby, isn't that a deterrent? And what about hitting these biological fathers for 18 years of child support? These are the consequences of teen pregnancy, not a cute little mini-me.

Bill Albert: Some have suggested that the relatively tougher restrictions brought on by changes in welfare laws in 1996 may have played some modest role in changing behavior for the reasons you note.

_______________________

Virginia: I am a little dismayed by the attitude that this young girl is "taking responsibility" by keeping her baby. My mother gave a baby up for adoption at age 17, and I admire her for making the best decision for everyone. The baby was adopted by a married couple who genuinely wanted a child and were ready and able to care for him. My mother was able to finish her education, go on to college, and get married.

It seems the trend these days is for teenaged mothers to look down on adoption. Why is this?

Bill Albert: I'm not sure why but I know that less than 2% of pregnant teens place their child up for adoption. It is exceedingly rate.

_______________________

Start talking when they are young: I realize that this chat is about teen pregnancy, but it is important to remember that this is an awkward subject for a parent to bring up at any age. I am the mother of a 6-year-old boy, and have been dreading the entire subject. We recently took the bull by the horns and bought "It's Not the Stork" (geared to 5-8-year-olds) and "It's So Amazing" (10-12-year-olds) for our son. There is a third one for teenagers. The books are witty, sweet, and straightforward, without euphemisms. It has been a great experience to read the book with my son and talk about the entire subject -- love, reproduction, readiness for sex, and the different ways of making a family. While reading or discussing these books with him is no guarantee that there won't be a teenage pregnancy, doing so in a loving and respectful way certainly diminishes that possibility.

Bill Albert: I cannot underscore the importance of parents enough. Two decades of good social science research makes clear that parents who are closely connected to their kids --- that express love, that stay in touch with what they do, where they go, and who they hang out with, that take a deep interest in the things that matter to them, that spend time with their kids --- are more likely to see the sorts of "results" they seek. Happy, healthy children.

_______________________

Bill Albert: My thanks to everyone who participated in this chat. I am sorry I couldn't get to more questions. Happy new year to all!

_______________________

Editor's Note: washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions. washingtonpost.com is not responsible for any content posted by third parties.