Rural teens need more information and services about pregnancy issues, advocate says

Why are teen pregnancy and birth rates higher in rural America than in urban areas? Rural areas have a serious lack of information and services, something that needs to be changed to ensure the safety of pregnant teens, or those at risk of becoming pregnant, writes Rebecca Hart, of Provide, which works to ensure safe access to abortions, on the Daily Yonder.

Rural teens often lack necessary access to health care, writing Hart. There are too few primary-care physicians and emergency room doctors, treatment options are non-existent, or too far away, and fewer people are covered by Medicaid or may be covered by employer insurance that doesn't provide the care that is needed.

Another hurdle is education, or lack of it, Hart writes, staying that sex education in school is a must, and when teens do get pregnant, they need to be provided with options or support in issues such as adoption, abortion, and parenting. States such as Oklahoma and Mississippi teach abstinence, but Hart writes that without proper education, teen pregnancy rates are unlikely to decrease. Mississippi and North Dakota only have one abortion clinic in the state, making it much more difficult for a teen looking at that option.

Charts by National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy

The solution, Hart, says, is to provide teens with more access to whatever needs they require. Teens intent on keeping the baby should be "referred to prenatal care specifically geared to the medical, psychological, and financial needs of pregnant rural teens." Likewise, teens looking to give the baby up for adoption, or have an abortion, should be allowed access to all the information and help they need. (Read more)