Teen pregnancy reaches $11 billion

Another way to cut costs: Reduce teen pregnancy.

The latest figures from the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy reports teen childbearing costs taxpayers $10.9 billion annually. Idaho taxpayers shoulder $60 million of that. Put off those pregnancies until adulthood, according to this and similar studies by the Brookings Institution (which estimates total annual cost at $11 billion), and taxpayers can save $1,600 annually per person.

At least 80 percent of teen pregnancies are unplanned. Study upon study has shown that sex education, if it includes interpersonal/relationship skills, motivations to delay sex, and accompanying facts which include use of contraception if sex does occur, works to reduce rates of teen sex, as well as pregnancies.

Money aside, there are bigger issues.

Children are far less able to raise children. The task either falls to understandably reluctant grandparents or the child suffers from his teen mother's immaturity and inability to cope with what even the most mature and best parents find as life's biggest challenge. Children of teen parents tend to have medical disadvantages. A higher percentage live in poverty. The list goes on, affecting not only the child, but as she grows, society around her.

As a mom, I don't want my or any teen to do what should wait for adulthood. I also don't want to be a grandma before it's time. Preaching abstinence, by way of self-respect, is certainly called for. Statistically the rates of teens having sex are staggering, even among families who emphasize abstinence. Therefore an essential part of the discussion is minimizing risks not only of pregnancy, but also of potentially fatal diseases. Teens need to know exactly how these can be contracted, as misinformation still pervades.

A dual "Don't do it, but if you choose to ignore that, at least protect yourself; this is how...," is the most compassionate and safest insurance. This is a tough subject for parents to discuss with their children, but help is out there. Children Now is a nonpartison, nonprofit organization dedicated to children's welfare. Click "learn," then "talking with kids" at Childrennow.org for useful tips.

Open discussion is a small investment for such a priceless return.

Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Contact her at [email protected].