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County and state teen pregnancy rates rise
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More from County NewsRaylene Quinonez, a high school junior with a 4-month-old son, doesn't need to be told the teen pregnancy rate throughout California and Ventura County is on the rise.
"Everybody's having kids," said Quinonez of Oxnard, who became pregnant when she was 16. "I think the majority of my friends are having babies."
Today, the Public Health Institute in Oakland is releasing a report showing that after 15 years of decline, birth rates for girls 15 to 19 are climbing slightly in California and at varying levels in about 35 counties across the state, including Ventura County.
Here, teen births increased from 981 in 2004 to 1,162 in 2006, according to the study. That's a rate of 39 pregnancies for every 1,000 girls 15 to 19 in 2006, compared to 33.3 per 1,000 two years earlier. County officials say the vast majority of those pregnant teens are Latino, and many come from lower income families.
"It's impossible to know exactly why the numbers are going up," said research scientist Petra Jerman, co-author of the report. "The obvious reason we can see is that teens are having unprotected sex."
Today's study follows a federal report in December showing the national birth rates for teens also increased for the first time in about 15 years, rising about 3 percent from 2005 to 2006.
Not enough information
Some observers say it's premature to label the increase as a trend. Others blame the rise in teen births on ineffective sex education, parents who don't talk to their kids about sex and differences in the way some Latino families view adolescent pregnancy.
Quinonez said she thinks schools don't provide enough information about contraceptives and birth control. She said they preach abstinence to kids who are already sexually active.
"All they tell us is stay abstinent," she said. "I think a lot of girls don't know better about birth control and they get pregnant."
Some teachers say the same thing. Shannon Sharp teaches parenting, child development and reproductive health at Puente High School, a school in the Oxnard Union High School District that provides education for about 100 teenage parents and day care for their infants. She maintains there's not enough frank discussion in many high schools and homes about birth control and reproduction.
"I'm not surprised by any of this," she said of the rising teen birth rate.
"It all goes back to the fact that reproductive health is not being taught in the homes, yet parents don't want to teach it in schools."
Public school administrators say students are told abstinence is the only absolute protection. But teachers also provide information on birth control to kids in middle school and high school as required by the state education code.
"The information is there," said Martha Mutz, assistant superintendent for educational services in the Oxnard Union High School District. "We're obligated to deliver it."
Joe Mendoza, an administrator for special populations and education support with the Ventura County Office of Education, said the problem is time.
"In terms of sex education, there isn't that much time to devote to it," he said, suggesting schools focus more on scoring well on the annual standardized tests used to assess the quality of their educational programs. "You focus so much on these outcomes, you don't give enough time to sex education."
Ventura County Public Health officials say their records of teen births are slightly different than in the Public Health Institute study, with 1,163 births in 2006, or about 164 more than in 2005. About 86 percent of those births were to Latino girls.
Some observers suggest language barriers may keep Latinos from knowing about birth control and family planning clinics. Others point to the lack of discussions about sex in homes and schools.
Dr. Anil Chawla, medical director of the Clinicas del Camino Real for farmworkers in Ventura County, said part of the problem is cultural. She said some Latino families are very accepting of teenage pregnancies. "Those families think nothing wrong of it that their 14-year-old is pregnant," she said. "I think there needs to be more education of parents."
More data needed
Diana Grill, a Ventura County Public Health epidemiologist, characterized the increased birth rate as fairly large but said more data are needed before it can be labeled as a trend. "It's just one year," she said.
The balance between abstinence and birth control remains a red-hot issue. Michele Reithmayer of the Conejo Valley Women's Resource Center said abstinence until marriage is the best message but also said parents need to talk frankly to their kids about more than just saying no. Asked about making birth control available to teens, she referred to studies that show possible negative effects.
"When birth controls and contraceptives are made available to younger people, that's confirming that sexual behavior is more acceptable," she said.
In California, the number of teen births rose from 50,433 in 2004 to 52,770 in 2006, according to the study. Jerman said much of the increase is because of an increased population of teens. The actual rate increase across the state is miniscule and is limited to one year, about 0.6 births per 1,000 teenage girls from 2005 to 2006.
The state's rate is better than the national average but is four times higher than the combined median rate of 16 other nations, including Australia, Canada, France and Japan.
"We're doing much worse than countries that are westernized, democratic and developed," Jerman said. "We can do better."
The study also analyzes the cost of teen pregnancy. It suggests that a baby dramatically alters the career aspirations of teen parents, lowering their earning potential. Factor in other societal costs such as welfare and placement of kids in foster homes and California's teen pregnancies in 2006 could add up to an annual cost of more than $3 billion, the report says.
Posted by gramagracie on May 21, 2008 at 7:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It has become complacent to be promiscous with no consequences. The government allows the soon to be teen mothers and teen mothers in school. They are allowed to go after the young man, if they know who he is, for child support. They can get free medical care, etc., etc.,
These kids don't need to be told about sex, they know what happens! They are smarted than we were at their age. They simply don't care and figure the government will take care of us. When we were growing up in the dark ages of the 60's there were consequences and shame. Worked for me and alot of my friends. We had rules in school as to dress code, no need to give us sex ed, though they did, it made us blush.
I believe the problem is "no consequences". Maybe if we as a government said no more hand outs, you have a baby you (females) bare the costs of birthing and raising this child. You were the one who gave the young man (men) permisssion to have sex with you, it was your choice, take responsibility for your action. No child support for illigitamate childen, only child support for those who where responsible and married before haveing sex but couldn't make the marriage work.
As females we have the responsbility to have children and guide them... In recent years "stay at home" mothers has increased. These mothers can't be everywhere and you can't expect the parents to be "taught" about sex ed so they can pass it along to there kids. Believe me I bet they do. We, as a government, have lost control of our youth...because of all the laws implemented to protect them we have lost touch and the respect of our children. Girls can get abortions without their parents consent, and NOW you want the parents held accontable?
Stop government handouts and see what happens!
Posted by oxnard40 on May 21, 2008 at 8:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Having sexual contact with anyone under 18 years old is AGAINST THE LAW.
It does not matter if both parties are minors.
It does not matter if they had parental consent.
If you have sex with anyone under 18, who is not your spouse, you are breaking the law.
Teen Pregnancy will decline once we start prosecuting these offenders.
Posted by just_a_thought on May 21, 2008 at 8:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Very well said "gramagracie". These kids have absolutely nothing to lose by having sex, getting prenant and having babies. They are actually given more benefits than the kids who choose not to have sex, get pregnant and have babies! Somethings just not right with this!!
Posted by mal1910 on May 21, 2008 at 8:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
gramagracie:
I completely agree. One of the biggest problems with our society is that no one is willing to take responsiblity for their actions. I grew up in central California, in Tulare county. We had (I dont know if this has changed recently) the HIGHEST teen pregnancy rate per capita in the NATION. Porterville has an adult school geared for underage girls who are either pregnant or already have a baby (or in most cases, babies). One of our biggest problems in school is that we WEREN'T taught abstinence, instead we were taught about various forms of birth control. I think schools should teach both, but stress abstinence. If you hand out condoms at school...you don't think that kids are going to be curious and use it? I know I did. I was lucky enough to have never gotten pregnant (a rare accomplishment in that town). Our society is letting our kids act like adults when in fact, they aren't. Thirteen year old girls act and look like they are eighteen. And it's only going to get worse.
Posted by Ms_California on May 21, 2008 at 8:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I can't disagree more with the comments here. I am a statistic... I was a teenage pregnant mother and let me tell you that I did NOT mooch off of the government and their programs. I graduated high school at 17 and was in love with my HS sweetheart. We thought we were safe but we ended up getting pregnant. Now, I was not a premiscious girl in HS but this was the boy! We planned to get married etc.. after the baby we moved in together and worked our butts off to provide for our child. Never did we ask for housing or any welfare programs. And we did not ask our families for help even though they would have bent over backwards to help us! We made sacrifices and did what we had to do to live and provide for our responsibility!
There are concequences for these actions.... a BABY! Some of you are so shallow that you can't even imagine how difficult it is to raise a child at 17 years old when you are a child yourself. I have daughters now and I preach to them daily of the importance of getting an education and sex isn't everything. But we all know what peer pressure is and how sex is with teens. It is interesting and makes them feel something new. They are going to do it whether we agree or not so why not protect them with birth control and education before it's too late!
Posted by oxnard40 on May 21, 2008 at 8:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
At Puente HS in Oxanrd, the teens get free day-care, free transportation to and from school, and they get to make up credits in half a day doing half the work.
This seems to be a reward for having a child.
Oxnard High School District appoves of this.
There is no accountability put on these children having children.
Posted by mal1910 on May 21, 2008 at 8:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ms_California:
I applaud you for handling your situation, however, it doesn't make it alright for girls to get knocked up just because once in awhile someone can actually handle the responsibility. My ex best friend became pregnant at 17, and she never finished school. She partied, drank, smoked while the baby was sitting in the living room. Girls that I knew were taking their babies to PARTIES. These girls dont understand what they are getting into, and even though some of them can pull it together and make it work, it DOESN'T MAKE IT RIGHT. Something needs to be done!
Posted by Ms_California on May 21, 2008 at 9:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mal1910... when did I EVER post in my blog that it was OK to get preg as a teen? Not once did I condon this activity. My point, which was obviously missed is that, yes, some of us make mistakes as teens and some can rise up. The fact here is that kids are going to do what kids do with regards to sex. So if abstinence isn't working why not educate them and protect them with birth control. If we don't educate them and protect them we are just playing russian rulette with our kids lives! Parents need to be responsible here and not rely on teachers in school to protect their children against STD's and pregnancy. I am sick of parents not being responsible for the things their kids do. Step up and be a parent!
Posted by FedUp on May 21, 2008 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
perhaps the catholic church should step in, and tell these people that birth control is not a sin or something.
Hispanic people in our country are having babies at an alarmingly high rate. I think something like 80% of teens giving birth in the state of california are hispanic. they say birth control is against their religion. hmmm. paying more in taxes to support ignorant people is against my religion. where do I sign up to get my money back?
Posted by oxnard40 on May 21, 2008 at 9:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Do you know how many 35 year old grand-parents are out there today?
This is becoming an alarming trend. The cycle of teenage pregnancy begins at home.
Posted by lilmamma on May 21, 2008 at 10:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Educate Educate Educate. We need to educate our girls about condoms and birth control. We need to educate our boys about condoms. Parents need to step up and do their job. I was a teen mom and I make sure that my children understand the consequences of having unprotected sex. Abstinence is a big joke we need to preach prevention instead. Someone mentioned free day care free bus ride to school make up credits as a reward. When your 15 or 16 and ur changing diapers instead of being with your friends there is NO reward.
Posted by del on May 21, 2008 at 10:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is timely. I was just listening to a NPR report about how, on a national scale, teenage pregnancies are down.
My little kindergarten teacher wife was introduced to one of her students great-grandmother the other day. She didn't look a day over 50.
I would like to respond to Fedup's catholic church remarks, but my dear old mother taught me, "If you can't say anything nice, keep your bloody mouth shut."
Posted by del on May 21, 2008 at 10:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What I mean was to continue and expand upon Fedup's comments.
Posted by gramagracie on May 21, 2008 at 10:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ms_California I command you for your perserverance but you were the exception. I too married my childhood sweetheart at 17 1/2 years, had my first of 3 children at 19 years old...we became a statistic after 22 years marriage we divorced. I chose abstienence because of my religious believe and stigma that it would cause my parents. The shame would have hurt them so much.
My believe is that society's child has no accountability for their choices and their actions. Teen school and free day care for their kids was unheard of. Those who did become pregnant relied on their family to babysit their child and went to night school to obtain their education. I personally am tired of paying through the nose for all these government programs that help those who have made poor choices. Their lack of morales, values and self esteem is what needs to be addressed. It seems to be okay for kids now to have "party sex" no childhood sweetheart needed anyone will do. I too agree that maybe the laws should be changed and let "anyone" underage having sex be charged.
Has anyone studied these teen mother's childrens birth certifcates? I wonder how many have "unknown father" stated?
If we have any culture to blame it should be the "government hand out" culture that teaches these children that they have rights!
Posted by retired_chief on May 21, 2008 at 10:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Fedup- you assume that the kids getting pregnant are so devout that they don't practice birth control because of their beliefs. I doubt it. As the has been noted in the earlier posts these teens today are well aware of the consequences of unprotected sex (the girl in the article even noted that "everybody's having kids" so it's no secrect to them). Education starts at home. Parents must be involved, and not shy about discussing sex with their kids (yes, I have a kid too).
Posted by oxnard40 on May 21, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Of all those pregnant teen girls, I would bet there is a low life 20+ year old guy somewhere in the picture. He too is living at home with his parents and not being held accountable.
He is the guy that cruises the High School parties and talks about being a cop or a fireman. But until then, his career at Hometown Buffet is on the rise.
Posted by Ms_California on May 21, 2008 at 11:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
oxnard 40... I doubt that there are that many 20 yr olds driving around knocking up teenage girls. Truth be known, most of the teenage pregnancies are of those children the same age that attend classes together.
I don't think that religious beliefs are what the kids are having in mind when they are having sex or considering sex. I mean if the thought of upset parents and teenage births don't scare the tar out of them; why would religion? Fact is some kids have more self control and respect then others do... some feel sex is a way of getting attention, attention they lack from their lives. Being a girl at one time in my life.. you boys sure know what to say to make us melt!
All I can say with expressed nature is talk to your kids, let them know how important they are and that they will have a lifetime to start a family. The teenage years are for them to grow and live. To be a kid not raise one!
Posted by oxnard40 on May 21, 2008 at 11:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I would love to see the Star do a follow up story on Raylene Quinonez in 5, 10, and 15 years. Let's see if she is going to be an exception or a statistic. What about all her teenage friends having kids? Where will they be in the next few years?
Posted by pleasantville on May 21, 2008 at 12:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
abstinence vs Birth control, to 12 + yr old children has proven not to be effective. vaccinate these little bunnies with Deprovera!
Posted by AinVentura on May 21, 2008 at 12:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
As a teen mother of a now 13 year old child, we do not need religion, to teach shame, or to ignorantly state that teen mothers are getting great handouts. What kids need to realize is how difficult it is to succeed with a child in tow, and that your life will forever be changed. While I love my son and would never change my past, I missed my graduation, prom, and have made to make many more sacrifices over the years. However, my sacrifices are minimal compared to those of my child who has seen me struggle financially and emotionally over the years. While I am a success, attending college and moving on to become an attorney, the hardest thing has been to see the sacrifices of my child. Educate your children. Don't be naive that they won't be having sex. Get your children the protection and information that they need. And before you decide that Raylene and her friends will be statistics, allow them the opportunity to succeed, which I presume is what the school district is doing by pushing these girls to continue with their education.
Posted by daisy7859 on May 21, 2008 at 1:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm surprised they would use Raylene in this article. I hope she learns from this experience becoming a mother this early in her young life and takes charge of her life. Please continue your educations, go to college, find a passion and stick with it. Don't let the birth of your son derail your dreams. Much love.
Posted by jamaro099 on May 21, 2008 at 2:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
From reading the article and many of the posts it is clear we stigmatize girls more than boys when it comes to teen pregnancy. While some reasons may be obvious(they're the ones who give birth) I think we need to focus on the behavior of boys as much, if not more than girls. One example of how we try to control the behavior of femails over males are the signs you see at every bar concerning drinking while pregnant. Yes, drinking while pregnant is harmful to a developing baby; However, unborn children are more likely to be harmed by a drunk, abusive father than by a drinking mother. Why don't we see those kinds of signs at bars?
We need to place more shame on boys that go around having sex without protection. Another issue the article fails to mention is the percentage of girls that have an STD. Look it up; scarey.
Posted by whatsup805 on May 21, 2008 at 2:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
CONDOMS PEOPLE!
HELLO STD'S?
Why should the state teach about this? This responsibility falls on every parent who has a child. As a parent you are resposible for TEACHING THEM RIGHT FROM WRONG! It all comes down to a good relationship with your child and have them be involved in sports...this greatly reduces their chances of getting pregnant.
If you had a child when you were a teen...will the cycle repeat itself with your offspring or will you teach them to abstain/control until they become adults?
One in two sexually active persons will contact an STD/STI by age 25.
About half of all new STDs/STIs in 2000 occurred among youth ages 15 to 24.
Posted by oxnard40 on May 21, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
jamaro099 good point. Where are the boys? It takes two to tango. These young men need to be held just as accountable for the pregnancies as the girls.
Posted by ProudRae on May 21, 2008 at 5:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hi Its Raylene Thank You to all the people that posted great comments. And to the people that criticized me you've never walked a day in my shoes how can you judge me?? I'm a single teen mother who isn't receiving any government assistance and that is doing everything I can to give my son the best life he could ever have! I don't party I don't do any of that, I have goals I'm going to college. I don't think you realize that age doesn't determine how good of a mother you are!! And in 5 years I hope your right Oxnard40 I hope they do a follow up on me!!! I'm proud of who I am and I promised myself that being a teen mom wouldn't alter my dreams...
Posted by ProudRae on May 21, 2008 at 5:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hi Its Raylene Thank You to all the people that posted great comments. And to the people that criticized me you've never walked a day in my shoes how can you judge me?? I'm a single teen mother who isn't receiving any government assistance and that is doing everything I can to give my son the best life he could ever have! I don't party I don't do any of that, I have goals I'm going to college. I don't think you realize that age doesn't determine how good of a mother you are!! And in 5 years I hope your right Oxnard40 I hope they do a follow up on me!!! I'm proud of who I am and I promised myself that being a teen mom wouldn't alter my dreams...
Posted by AinVentura on May 21, 2008 at 5:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Raylene, never lose sight of your dreams. Your son will be so proud of you. Most of people's remarks are based on ingnorance. Being a teen mother does not equate being on welfare and partying. I received a great education and surpassed all my high school friends despite my challenges. Teen mothers do not need people relying on stereotypes to say what they can and cannot become.
Posted by ProudRae on May 21, 2008 at 5:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
AinVentura, Thank you so much I realize these people dont have the slightest clue what I go through and their assumptions are based off of the statistics and not personal stories I plan on going to college and getting my BA in Psychology!!! I will be a success story!!!
Posted by lizlemon on May 22, 2008 at 12:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Teen birthrates in Ventura County 2000-2006:
Posted by live_for_purpose on May 22, 2008 at 5:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Norplant!!!! The government should stop paying for these illegitimate kids. It is all a part of Reconquista.
Posted by FedUp on May 22, 2008 at 9:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
good luck Raylene. I truly hope you are successful, and that your son grows up with a loving mother and father.
but statistics dont lie. you are the exception, not the rule.
Posted by getreal on May 22, 2008 at 9:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is a joke! I am 33 years old, married and have a 3 year old son. My husband and I both work full time. I am also in college finishing up my degree. With our moderate income (not low income by any means)we are barely able to get by. Car payments run $750/mo (and we do not have luxury cars) $2000 for rent, ONE small credit card, all utilities and $1100/mo in daycare. After reading this I wish I had gotten knocked up in high school so I could get FREE daycare and FREE education. These hispanic teenagers need to close their legs and learn about responsibility. Go to Mexico and clog up your own government with handouts.
Posted by FedUp on May 22, 2008 at 10:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"The arbitrary age limits set by society really have no purpose other than to sooth some societal notion of childhood."
are you kidding me with this? so, basically you are saying that all teenagers should be getting pregnant and having all their kids before they get into their thirties? lame. teenagers are idiots. plain and simple. they dont know how to do anything right at this stage of the game. I know. I was once a teenager. I thought I knew everything. if I had gotten my hs gf pregnant, who knows where I would be now. I know I would not be happily married with a home, a good job, and a beautiful young daughter. that all came later, because I finally wised up, and listened to my parents.
I am right there with you getreal! aside from the car payments.
Posted by BeaHappi on May 22, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"These hispanic teenagers need to close their legs and learn about responsibility. Go to Mexico and clog up your own government with handouts."
Honestly, ALL teenagers need to close their legs. I'm sure that the highest percentage of teen pregnancies are latino because Latinos represent the highest population in our county.
Raylene - good for you for continuing your education and doing the best you can for yourself and for your son. But you definitely are the exception.
Kids having kids...it's not a good thing.
Posted by daisy7859 on May 22, 2008 at 11:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
getreal: I agree with you completely! We all struggle to make a life for ourselves, pay our taxes like good citizens we are to PAY FOR TEENS HAVING TOO MANY KIDS. I can't even afford health insurance for myself, yet I scrap the $50 a month for my birth control because I don't want to bring a child into this world LIVING OFF THE GOVERNMENT.
Pogmothoin: Really? REALLY? You think it is okay to say "Go ahead, get pregnant, have your baby, you'll have your body back in no time..." Is this the mentality we want to spread? No common sense at all!
Posted by daisy7859 on May 22, 2008 at 11:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
BTW, let's wait 5 years down the line to give Raylene praise, she's only 4 months into being a parent, lets see if she continues with her education. it's easy to say you are the exception now, lets wait and see what happens.
Posted by FedUp on May 22, 2008 at 12:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
good point Daisy. and while we are at it, I would be interested to know about the parenting in Raylenes home. sure, I am digging a little now. but she does not seem to think that it is a big deal having a kid at 16. is this something that was taught to her in her home, or is it just her being a dumb teenager??
teen pregnancy in third world countries is quite normal and goes hand in hand with why they are third world. is this culture being passed on in the US now that we are a sanctuary for so many third world refugees and illegals who refuse to assimilate?
Posted by gabyandcesar2002 on May 22, 2008 at 2:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
<<Dr. Anil Chawla, medical director of the Clinicas del Camino Real for farmworkers in Ventura County, said part of the problem is cultural. She said some Latino families are very accepting of teenage pregnancies. "Those families think nothing wrong of it that their 14-year-old is pregnant," >>
What families did she speak to??? We Latinos think nothing wrong of it??? Did anyone else catch this???
Posted by getreal on May 22, 2008 at 3:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Apparently Dr. Anil Chawla was referring to the 86% teen pregnancy rate in the Latino community. Yes, it appears Latinos think nothing wrong of it or the percentage wouldn't be 86%! Educate your children and provide proper parenting and this figure wouldn't be so alarming.
Posted by bella93030 on May 22, 2008 at 3:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
RAYLENE I am soooo proud of you and all that you have done and will continue to do for Alex! I appreciate you people who have decided to encourage my little sister instead of trying to beat her down for choosing life! As long as you continue to strive for Gods path you will always have the strength that you need to endure ignorant people like this. You will be able to look into Alex's eyes and find strenth :)
I love you and the decision you made because if you hadn't have made it I wouldnt have my ALEX! He is a blessing regardless of what they say!!
YES YOU ARE RIGHT! AGE CANNOT DETERMINE WHAT KIND OF MOTHER YOU ARE LOVIE!
Posted by BeaHappi on May 22, 2008 at 4:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
86% of the teen births in Ventura County were in the Latino community.
This does not mean that 86% of Latino teens gave birth.
So for every 100 babies born to teens in Ventura County, 86 were born to Latinos.
In areas where the population is largely African-American, my guess is that the largest % of teen births are to that community.
Posted by FedUp on May 22, 2008 at 4:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bea - thanks for pointing that out. however, 86% of the population is not hispanic. therefore, the hispanic teens are contributing way more than their fair share of teen births.
Posted by ProudRae on May 22, 2008 at 5:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey Its Raylene again!! Im very surprised at how the majority of these comments are made about me i was just one of the teens the interviewed and then used in the article the issue is about teen pregnancy not Raylenes Life!! so i think if youre going to comment on the issue you all need to stick to the issue and not worrying about what is going to happen to me in the next 5 years thats none of anyones business but my own!! I highly doubt any of you are perfect everyone has done stuff people dont approve of. Yea im a teen mother so what!! im not on welfare i dont get wic or medical i think im doing alot better then most parents that are 40 and on welfare and everything else!! and if you wanted free daycare and dont want to pay hello CDR!! its not only teens that qualify for these things its any low income family wich i am not!!!
Posted by ProudRae on May 22, 2008 at 5:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yea and Bea if you havent noticed hispanics are the majority in California so of course there are more hispanic teens having babies! We are the majority!
Posted by BeaHappi on May 22, 2008 at 5:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
FedUp - you are correct. Hispanics don't represent that percentage of the population in Ventura County. 2006 census records indicate about 36.5% Hispanic. In Oxnard that number is much higher - probably 75% Hispanic.
Posted by getreal on May 22, 2008 at 8:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks for the advice about CDR Rae. Only problem is the waiting list is over two years long because of the hispanic teenagers breeding like bunnies.
Posted by ProudRae on May 22, 2008 at 9:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
getreal its not just teens its also the farm workers and low income families. So are you going to judge them aswell??? your names getreal well take your advice just because we are teen mothers doesnt mean were all poor and use up the governments assistance. If the government had a problem with it then they should stop and if they did stop in no way would that effect me I pay for everything my child receives just like other parents that are 30 and older. I laugh at how they complain that teens get abortions but they also complain that we chose life for our children...I guess either way were damned if we do and damned if we dont...
Posted by ProudRae on May 22, 2008 at 9:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
getreal im sure youve made mistakes in your life well so did I but unlike other people that got abortions I chose to take responsibility of my actions and raise my son. I had no right to take his life away from him. Yea its hard I admit I shouldve waited and I recommend that for other teens out there. But unlike most I stay home and dont worry about my hair my make up having the lastest fashionable clothes my priorities are Alex whether he has everything he needs which he does hes never gone without and then my education which by the way im doing very good when it comes to school...I feel you all are forgetting the guys in all this your all quick to judge us but I like so many others are raising them on our own and no me and his dad werent just some fling we were in a relationship for years and it didnt work out now im a single mom but you guys are gonna put me down?? what have I done but try my hardest to be both a mother and father to my son..can you answer me that?? im not asking you to raise my son im not asking anyone for anything so why should any of you be worried about me??
Posted by ProudRae on May 22, 2008 at 10:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
getreal Ive read your comments and you sound extremely racist toward mexicans "Go to Mexico and clog up your own government with handouts." ?? WHAT IS THAT ABOUT?? just because im Mexican doesnt mean I straight crossed the border! Your completely ignorant and shouldnt even be allowed on this!! People like you make me sick!!! saying I should be ashamed? yea Id be ashamed walking around talking the way you do!!!
Posted by Face on May 23, 2008 at 8:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Glorification of teen pregnancy in movies. Teen idols showing their shaved clams on YouTube. Teens sexting photos of themselves to classmates and target boys. And your daughter has a special layout on her MySpace page right now you can bet. I am sure that all this has nothing to do with teen pregnancy rates though.
Posted by FedUp on May 23, 2008 at 8:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Yea and Bea if you havent noticed hispanics are the majority in California so of course there are more hispanic teens having babies!" We are the majority!"
actually, no, hispanics are not currently the majority in california. not yet anyways. however, the majority of births are to hispanic parents.
that should tell you something right there.
"We are the majority!"
you sound so proud of this statement. funny thing is, if I was to say this exact thing, all the libs on here would call me a racist. go figure. bunch of friggin hypocrites.
good luck with your child Raylene.
Posted by BeaHappi on May 23, 2008 at 8:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
For the teenage girls who have had babies or are pregnant...it is what it is. And hopefully the majority are like Raylene - doing their best to raise their children while continuing their educations. Sadly, I still do think that Raylene is the exception.
What might be good to curb teen pregnancy is to have a 'scared straight' road show of sorts, where teen moms can talk to other teens about the realities of having a baby that young.
There obviously are sacrifices, especially for those young moms who are working hard to make a good life for themselves and their child.
Raylene...stay on the path you're on and continue to do your best. And perhaps along the way you can help a friend out by painting a very realistic picture of what your life is like. Not that you don't love your son - I'm sure he's adorable (babies are!)...but you know what I mean.
We need to keep those lines of communication open with our children and students. Not that I want my daughter or son engaging in premature sex, but I'd sure rather have them talk to us about it so that we could educate them about birth control, responsibility, etc.
Posted by latina79 on May 23, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
my sister got pregnant at 13 years old and had her baby at 14 years old. At the time I was 19 just finished high and was pregnant myself. I'm not sure if me being the older sister and pregnant made her go out and do the same. But let me say this, my poor mother was AGAINST it from the very beginning. She even took her to a plan parenthood to have it 'taken care of'. But in the state of California a parent CAN NOT have a say so in the childs choice. You can all guess the choice my sister made. My mom had no choice but to support her and her grandson. This is a scary situation I think about constantly with my younger daughter growing up in this day in age. I have no right to judge anybody and I honestly have no suggestions as to how this can be prevented.
Posted by FedUp on May 23, 2008 at 9:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"and I honestly have no suggestions as to how this can be prevented."
birth control, and education from the parents. sadly, a large majority of the teen pregnancy's are kids from a single parent home, and those who use religion as an excuse for not using birth control.
Posted by BeaHappi on May 23, 2008 at 9:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"and I honestly have no suggestions as to how this can be prevented."
Convent, military school, chastity belt...when did these options fall out of style?
Ahhh, the good ol' days! :~)
Posted by ProudRae on May 23, 2008 at 10:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
beahappi thanx I am the exception I do know teens that arent doing right by their children but I am hes my main focus thanx for the support....
Posted by gabyandcesar2002 on May 23, 2008 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You know coming from a latino family, I think I know one of the reasons regarding such high latino teen pregnancy.A lot of them [our parents as well as current old fashioned ones], sometimes tend to confuse education on birth control as a way of CONDONING sexual activity.
I see more "american" teenagers [meaning, white or any nationality that has been here for generations and have adapted to be more open minded], on birth control. Our children are not teenagers yet. My husband and I have different point of views on this topic as well. It's difficult to think of our teens as sexually active. It's not only a pregnancy issue, now a days we need to worry about STD's as well.....
Posted by hotwildflower on May 23, 2008 at 11:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am the youngest of 4 girls, two of my sisters were teen parents, one of them is a great mom, one not so hot...we were all raised the same, so I don't know if you can really say there is any steadfast way to reduce teen pregnancy or teach parenting skills.
As a side note, I have a neice who was a teen mom, went through the OUHSD teen mom program and she has some of the worst grammar that I have seen...yet she has her HS dipoloma. (eye roll)
Posted by gabyandcesar2002 on May 23, 2008 at 11:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
hotwildflower - I agree. I've seen both - good girls [not promiscous ones]that turned out pregnant and of course the promiscous ones that you know will and do, become pregnant.
I also remember the HS girls who would go-around with just about all of the guys. All of which their parents would swear their daughter was a virgin by the way....
Posted by FedUp on May 23, 2008 at 1:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
hotwildflower - since there are three girls in your family who were teen parents, I would venture a guess and say education about birth control was not discussed in your family. just because 50% of the sisters did not get pregnant as a teenager, does not mean you were not lucky. not to be down on you, but stats like your family's are scary.
Posted by hotwildflower on May 23, 2008 at 1:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Actually, it was 2 of them were pregnant, not 3, but yeah, the stats are scary....just to clarify, I was not one of them.
Trust me, we had the fear of God, the fear of my father.
There were issues in the home that may have played a part in it, we didn't have a mother, we were raised by an amazing single dad who had to work full time. Remember, raising 4 girls in the 70's and 80's puts my father at an age when men did not discuss sex with their daughters.
I actually do believe I was the lucky one because I was the youngest, I learned from their mistakes and my father learned as well.
You have to make the best of the hand you are dealt and you make mistakes along the way, and while I don't condone teen pregnancy, I still believe every child is a blessing.
Posted by AinVentura on May 23, 2008 at 1:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe more teen mothers would pursue more for themselves and their children if there was not so much stigma thrown their way. As a successful woman who was once a teen mom, I faced many people with the stereotypical views posted here. Let me tell you, you're views cannot change the fact that I gave birth at 16. Rather, these views only make it more of a challenge to continue on. We should not be made into outcasts because of our differences. As far as the racism goes, I am not mexican, but unlike almost every other 16 year old I knew, I had sex. The only difference between me and the other girls is that I could no longer lie to society that I was a virgin. Maybe cultural differences play a part in some of this, but America is supposed to be a melting pot, embracing each of those cultures, not criticizing them. For those of you have projected negative comments towards Raylene, I hope that Raylene can come back later and tell you all where to shove it. 13 years ago, I was like Raylene, everyone told me I would fail, ane everyone of them was wrong. These girls have enough challenges without the negativity. And if you think that someone can live a glamorous life off of government handouts, get real. Everyone needs to have open communication with their own children, talk to them about sex, about goals, about education, and about protection. And keep your nose out of everyone else's business.
Posted by ProudRae on May 23, 2008 at 1:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree I think the sex talk should start at home and mine did I personally am very close to my mother father not in the picture but we talked about everything but I know girls that dont have a clue about birth control nor did I and have become pregnant...when are schools going to see that having the abstinence talk isnt working teach them about condoms and so forth I had sex ed but all we were taught is dont do it that was it and if we had any questions we werent about to ask our teacher he was a male no teenage girl is going to ask a male teacher about birth control its hard enough asking about it but especially asking a grown man?? I dont think so...
Posted by ProudRae on May 23, 2008 at 1:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
AinVentura, is completely right everyone acts like we are all so rewarded because were teen parents but lets lay out the facts
I go to school a full day like regular teens I have just as much hw and even more because I take college classes.
Yea we have a bus that takes us to school but so do regular High schools.
My life when it comes to education is just passed out I work hard for my education just like everyone else before I got pregnant I took College Prep classes and when I took my proficiency test for college I scored at college level!!
None of you realize how hard most of us work i cant tell you how many times ive stayed up all night doing projects then having to wake up at 3 in the morning to a crying baby thats hungry give us credit for what we are doing
Posted by BeaHappi on May 23, 2008 at 1:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
hotwildflower...I grew up in the 70's and was very close to my mom (also a single parent) and STILL found it awkward to discuss sex with her. We did have the conversation so that when the time came I could go on birth control but it was very hard for me to approach her.
I can guarantee that if my dad had raised us we would not have had the same conversation. No way, no how. I get how that must have been for your dad...4 girls...wow! :~)
So that's why all of us that have kids or are in the lives of kids should do what we can to keep those lines of communication open. It should be easier for a kid to tell us that they need birth control then it is for them to tell us they are pregnant.
Posted by ProudRae on May 23, 2008 at 2 p.m. (Suggest removal)
we took responsiblity for our actions unlike probably some of you that have gotten abortions because thats the easy way out
Posted by BeaHappi on May 23, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Raylene...I give you all the credit in the world. I have two kids myself and know how tough it can be. Just keep doing what you're doing.
Posted by hotwildflower on May 23, 2008 at 2:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have been pregnant 2x times in my life and have two beautiful and healthy children to show for it, but I would not call an abortion the easy way out...I could not imagine the mental anguish of having to live with that...I don't think that goes away.
Posted by ProudRae on May 23, 2008 at 2:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
well I personally have seen people go in get an abortion and act like nothing ever happened Im pro life I agree there is alot of mental anguish along with it but for some its a walk in the park
Posted by ProudRae on May 23, 2008 at 2:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank You BeaHappi
I think you all should attend the graduation of my high school and see how many teen parents are graduating its amazing how hard we all work
and next year you can go to mine! my son will be a year and some change and I will be walking down the line proud not only myself but of my friends that never gave up
Posted by FedUp on May 23, 2008 at 2:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
hotwildflower - the third girl in your family I was talking about is the niece you mentioned. I dont know if your niece who had a child as a teen was the daughter of one your sisters who gave birth as a teen, but I would venture a guess and say yes.
and Raylene - you said this: "I agree I think the sex talk should start at home and mine did I personally am very close to my mother father not in the picture but we talked about everything"
and then this: "but I know girls that dont have a clue about birth control nor did I and have become pregnant"
you obviously could not talk to your mom about everything. either that, or she did not teach you anything about birth control.
I have a young daughter, and I am scared to death of having that conversation some day. but it is just part of being a parent, and I know my wife and I will handle it with pride. plus, with as much crap is out there now, we will probably have to start talking about it when she is in like the 3rd grade or something. damn teeny bop singers!
Posted by hotwildflower on May 23, 2008 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Fed up, sorry...brain fart, my math skills were lacking and no, the neice was from the non-teen parent sibling...shocking, I know...but believe it or not, she was the only one who slipped thru the cracks and was a teen mom, we managed to stop the cycle.
As I mentioned, I have two and I have always spoke to them openly. My son is beginning high school and has already had these talks almost daily, to the point of giving me the good ol' "I know, MOM!!" and while it may drive him nuts to hear...I know that is what he will be hearing in the back of his mind before his head loses control and his hormones take over...the good thing is...with these open lines of communication...both of my kids have already asked alot of questions so I am happy to know they are that comfortable to come to me with anything.
Posted by gabyandcesar2002 on May 23, 2008 at 2:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
hotwildflower - I am really happy for you in that your kids are confiding in you with their questions but mostly to hear that there are parents out there talking to their SONS as well. Both parties are just as responsible for the pregnancy. It is also important for them to know that even if the girl is on birth control, there should still be condoms used in order of preventing the catch/spread of STD'S. =)
Posted by hotwildflower on May 23, 2008 at 2:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I tell him...
1) WAIT
2) WAIT!!
3) WAIT!!!
4) Be selective, even the most beautiful girl can have diseases
5) MOST IMPORTANT: ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS USE PROTECTION!!!!! NO EXCEPTION!!!
I just pray to God it pays off!!!
Posted by gabyandcesar2002 on May 23, 2008 at 3:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I hear you. My son will be 12 in July. It's getting to the "talk" time. I just pray to have the correct words that'll reach out to him to where he'll listen, remember and practice!!
Posted by Face on May 23, 2008 at 3:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
With RU486 available in every school medical office, I am not sure why girls choose pregnancy. Possibly for the attention they get and the feeling someone will love them forever. Boys need to use condoms even when girls tell them they are on the pill, as A. They are probably lying, and B. Without condoms you will probably get a STD. I think the horrors of STDs should be vividly and explicitly shown to our youth. Perhaps a full semester of Sexual Diseases 101 is in order as well as You Must Be Out Of Your Mind To Become Pregnant 101.
Posted by ProudRae on May 23, 2008 at 4:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Fedup your right back then i didnt talk to my mom about sex my mom has a very stong belief in her christian faith and sex was not allowed till marriage i knew she would be dissapointed thats why it was not discussed however now that she knows i was sexually active we do discuss birth control and other options concerning that issue many of the teens at my school are living with their boyfriends because their parents were so mad at the fact they had kids but my mom is a very forgiving person and sees all babies as a blessing no matter how they were brought into this world....shes very proud of the women ive become and how i have taken on being a mom i just wish more parents supported their teens not supporting the fact they had sex so dont get my words mixed but supported the fact these teens are pro life and want to take responsibilty what it comes down to is everyones personal story and whether they are doing everything they can for these babies
Posted by teesdin on May 24, 2008 at 7:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
reply to ost by FedUp
"80% of teens giving birth in the state of california are hispanic. they say birth control is against their religion. hmmm. paying more in taxes to support ignorant people is against my religion. where do I sign up to get my money back?"
my thoughts exactly!!
our handouts in this country & in recent years, in southwestern states is appalling! and it will just keep moving northeast until it hits the ocean in coming years. the rest of the country could stop this fraud now. yes, it is fraud. if only the other states knew what was coming, they just don't get it.
when each of the children they have has a free pass to unlimited resources from the state [aka YOUR taxes] there is nothing to loose. the kid is at school all day, gets free meals, free transportation, free supplies ranging from unlimited paper and pencils, books, backpacks [I never got free supplies. we shopped at the beginning of the year for them and paid for them. this does not happen anymore in our state]. oh then there is the after school 'programs', which are free and is nothing more than a way for these worthless parents to get even more free daycare & lets them spend less time with their child. face it, this country is going down hard & fast. but nobody will admit or agree with it, maybe if we all just ignore it, it will go away? yea that'll happen.
And the best part is a nice big check sent every month to mommy from the state for each of their kids that isn't needed because everything I said above is ALREADY PAID FOR and given to their kids for free.
more kids = more spending cash.
Posted by RedTail on May 24, 2008 at 10:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Very interesting points made by everyone.
An option that young people in this situation can consider is putting the kid up for adoption. That is another pro-life choice, for those who are using that as an argument for keeping the child.
The female really has the ultimate choice of spreading her legs and getting pregnant, and largely determining what happens next to the baby. They are usually the ones that are left to care for the baby after the dad takes off, and that is the reason they are the focus of education.
I don't particularly agree with the poster that said it's physically better to have children at a younger age in the sense that your body bounces back better---It comes down to how well the mother takes care of herself. Period. I see really healthy older moms, and not-so healthy young moms. And vice versa.
The problem with young pregnancies is that many young parents may believe circumstances won't change. But if the father disappears, and the needs of the child becomes more challenging as the kid grows, it is going to be extremely hard, especially if they don't have the education and resources already under their belt. As much as young parents think they are mature, there is a certain maturity that can only be learned through life experiences. They will find out and all us elders know they will. The teen parents I have seen usually have their parents there to help them. I really wish teen parents wouldn't claim themselves as "self-sufficient" if mom and dad (or any adult) is paying for their housing, utilities, car payments, etc.
Posted by RedTail on May 24, 2008 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
teesdin, I agree with your post---The thing you need to realize is that people in other states already do this and it's not strictly one race---If you think it's bad here, go to places such as the rural midwest where girls have multiple children at really young ages and live off of welfare. A daughter in one family I know in Indiana said welfare is good and that they think it's funny that they don't have to work. Some of her friends are on their third, fourth, fifth kids (with different dads!) and they're only in their early 20s. Check out the current statistics in these states. It's appalling. I remember a story not to long ago that said one school in Ohio had 60 students pregnant.
The only thing I can say is that I'd rather be on the side of the fence I'm currently on--Even with handouts, they still live pretty substandard lives and still cant get things such as really good health and dental care out of it.
Posted by Face on May 24, 2008 at 12:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Actually RedTail, under Clinton welfare laws were changed. There is no longer a benefit to having more and more children. In fact, a family can see their benefits decrease when they have more children. That is why for example African Americans have seen their birthrates drop so significantly to their lowest in over 40 years.
Posted by Face on May 24, 2008 at 12:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I propose we offer 10K cash to any woman of childbearing age who undergoes a hysterectomy. No ID required, just come in, no questions asked, and get the procedure and your cash the same day. This could go a long way to reducing poverty in the long term while giving those women a fresh start.
Posted by RedTail on May 24, 2008 at 9:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'd like to believe that is true Face, but they are getting their money somehow in Indiana. They have to live on something and a lot of them are sure not working. Also, think about that LDS clan in Texas--They have been investigated for welfare fraud. There's a benefit for them to keep having children without putting a father's name down.
Posted by live_for_purpose on May 26, 2008 at 9:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
mmshoot--Do they believe what the Bible says about sexual morality and marriage or are they just like animals who do it when they are in heat?
Posted by RedTail on May 26, 2008 at 9:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes mmshoot, that is definitely part of it. But what confuses me is that if someone is truly Catholic, aren't they suppose to be married first before having sex?
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