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Surviving teen pregnancy
Families who discover that their teenage daughter is unintentionally expecting a baby can expect life-changing situations and tough decisions to make. Whether the teen decides to have the baby - marry or not - and raise the child, place the child for adoption, or end the pregnancy through abortion, the choice must be one the teen mother, teen father, and family can live with. According to Dr. Ainon Mizan, researcher at the Center for Rural Health and Social Services Development at SIU, "Fortunately, the occurrence of teen pregnancy nationally has declined since the 1980's, possibly due to new prevention programs and initiatives being offered by state and local agencies. Southern Illinois is no exception." Here's a quick look at some numbers: * In the south seven Southern Illinois counties in 2004, there were 42 live births per 1,000 females under the age of 18.
* Further north in Franklin, Jefferson, Jackson, Perry, and Williamson counties, the total number of live births per 1,000 females was 98 in 2004 and 73 in 2005, the last year for which statistics are available. * Statistics for abortions and miscarriages are unavailable. Where do you go for assistance? The expectant teen may not realize it, but her family members or mentors are now her new best friends. For those who find themselves pregnant, it’s important to take advantage of the numerous services offered by agencies throughout Southern Illinois. Complete information about prenatal care and payment for pregnancy or delivery are available from your family doctor, adolescent health centers, human services in the local Southern Illinois area, and Planned Parenthood whose closest offices are in Fairview Heights and Effingham. Another option, often the first for a student not knowing where to turn and afraid to go to her parents, is the high school social worker who directs contact with numerous agencies throughout the area and assists the teen in approaching her family. Debbie Wiley, social worker at Benton High School explains, “When a student comes to me assuming she may be pregnant, I arrange a pregnancy test through Bi-County Health or through the Care-A-Van, a mobile health unit that assists students with health services at Benton and West Frankfort High Schools. Along with the student, I contact the parents.” “Together we discuss assistance available in the area. Each Tuesday, the students and I meet with various agencies such as Teen Parent Services through Rend Lake College and coordinators from the SIU Prevention Initiative 0-3 Parent Educators. We discuss resources, problems, and solutions. It is the school’s way of adding a learning dimension to the needs of pregnant teens. Normally up to 10 pregnant girls or new teen mothers, sometimes with their babies, attend. Other schools throughout Southern Illinois have similar programs.” Among the important services offered through TPS, is the initiative to stay in school. According to Lola Harty, teen parent services coordinator of the Jackson County Health Department, “TPS is an intensive case management and educational program with a goal of helping pregnant girls stay in school. Good attendance is a requirement.” Funded by the Department of Human Services, TPS advocates programs aimed at self-sufficiency, short and long term family planning, and career planning. If the pregnant girl is between 11 and 20 years of age and in school, funds are available for transportation to school ($30 a month), car repairs, and car insurance. They also have access to Shawnee Healthy Families - a part of Shawnee Health Service’s Adolescent Health Center program. This is a DHS funded, intensive, home visiting program for first-time, at risk parents in Jackson, Perry, Franklin and Williamson counties. The program provides infant child development information, and parent education, in the context of voluntary home visiting services; and when funds are available cribs and/or car seats to participating families. Prevention Initiative Birth to Three Parent Educators through SIU’s Early Childhood Program offers educational presentations, expectations for new teen moms, developmental opportunities for babies, and other support services to assist teen mothers with the important early years in the lives of their babies. “Our program works directly with young pregnant girls and teenage moms in counties throughout Southern Illinois,” says Heather Franklin, parent educator with the program. “If a student is “homeless” – not living in her own home or with her parents, we can supply clothing and personal items necessary for mom and baby,” Franklin explains. We provide opportunities for a new young parent to learn the best approach to caring for herself and baby.” The services begin during pregnancy, often during meetings within the school setting, and continue until the baby is three years old. “Among the greatest benefits of our meetings is the support teens who are experiencing the same thing give to each other as well as the opportunity to speak to nonjudgmental adults,” she says. According to Sharon Richardson from the TPS program at Rend Lake College, “We work to help pregnant teens with education and training, child care, delaying subsequent pregnancy, and even assistance with completing TANF applications.” This RLC program serves Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, Perry, Wayne, and Williamson counties. Staying in school When faced with the challenge of juggling parenthood and school, the option with the most devastating long term effect is dropping out. Statistics show that teenage mothers often have restricted economic and educational opportunities resulting in a higher risk of poverty, lower personal attainment, and often a lower likelihood of marriage. Not attaining a high school degree adds to the lifelong situation. Pregnant students now have the right to go to class, access all educational options including honor and academic societies, attend all school activities and graduation, and compete in sports. They can miss school for legitimate appointments for themselves and their babies, take a leave of absence for childbirth and recovery, receive extra help and makeup missed work due to excused absences, and expect confidential communication with school authorities. They may enroll in GED programs or classes for parenting as an option. Today personal rights for a pregnant teen are guaranteed, and services are available throughout the area. There is no reason for a pregnant teen to undermine her future personal and financial success no matter what choice she makes. My story Forty years ago, this writer, too, was a pregnant, unmarried teen. At that time an expectant mother was not allowed to attend school. When an astute teacher informed the principal that she thought I might be pregnant, I was sent to the office and consequently sent home from school. Each of the next three days I went back to school; each day I was sent home. I was determined that this sudden change in my personal status was not going to change my future goals. On the fourth day the principal, realizing my determination, allowed me to stay if I agreed to stop coming when my condition became physically apparent. But, I could not participate in any extracurricular activities. However, none of that was going to stop me. When it came time for me to quit, I simply couldn't! It was arranged that I would do all work at home without instruction and return to school weekly for new assignments. Frankly, I was glad to get the opportunity. It was a hardship then, but the long-term outcome was worth it. I became a statistic at the opposite end of the spectrum. For me it became an "I told you I would do it!" issue. I married the father, graduated, went to college, received a master's degree, and became an educator. Forty years later, life still goes on. Surviving the situation No! It is not an easy road. Surviving teen pregnancy takes fierce determination and perseverance. But as with any life situation when life takes a tangent, you must simply take one step at a time and hope you are going in the right direction. At this point in your life, if you are unintentionally pregnant, or the parent of a pregnant teen, don't give up. Support each other and expect support from each other. Take advantage of the services offered by various agencies and diligent counselors. Becoming pregnant during the teen years alters the life of a young girl as well as that of her family. Emotional, physical, financial, and educational hardships are inevitable. After all, life as you previously knew it will never again be the same. It's not easy for anyone to raise a child if that is your choice. Giving the child up for adoption or having an abortion are both choices wrought with long term emotional consequences. No matter what option you take, make sure it is the best decision you can make at the time - the one you can best live with. And then continue to make your life a masterpiece. Pregnant teen/new teen parent resources* * Adolescent Health Center - Prenatal services, counseling, medical services, family planning for ages 12-25, well and sick baby visits. 618-529-2621. * Franklin County Adolescent Health Services - 618-525-4444. * Jackson County Health Department - educational services in family planning, disease control, prenatal care, AIDS testing, maternal and child health, WIC. 618-684-3143. * Southern Seven Health Department - 618-285-6215. * SIUC Health Service Clinic - 618-453-3311. * SIU Wellness Center - counseling, sexuality education, birth control - 618-536-4441. * Teen Parent Family Services - direct services to empower pregnant teen families toward self-sufficiency. 1-800-843-6154 / 618-439-4351 in Franklin County / 618-242-8459, Sharon Richardson, Rend Lake College / 618-437-5321 for Laura Kern. * Illinois Department of Human Services - will answer questions and give information on the nearest DHS center. 1-800-843-6154. * Shawnee Crisis Pregnancy Center - provides pregnancy testing and counseling services. 618-549-2794. * Beth Richardson, Adoption Specialist, Catholic Social Services. 618-351-0743. * Center for Rural Health and Social Development - various services for pregnant teens and new teen parents. 618-453-2901. * Planned Parenthood - for informational brochures and for referrals to counselors and family service organizations with offices in Fairview Heights and Effingham. 1-800-230-PLAN. * Health and Human Services Helpline - 1-800-323-4769. * Operation Rebound CCHS Prevention Initiative - 618-549-8323, Ext. 225, Sandy Snowden. * Local High School Social Workers *Note: This is not an exhaustive list Comments
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