The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy was founded in response to a teen pregnancy rate in the US that exceeded that of most developed nations. President Clinton called for a national response in his State of the Union address in 1995, and the National Campaign was formed and funded the following year. Since theContinue reading “Power to Decide: Preventing Unplanned Pregnancy”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Martha’s Foundation: A Sanctuary for Teen Moms
Myrtle Watson, who founded Martha’s Foundation in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has spent her career as a nurse educator and a tireless advocate for at-risk teens who become pregnant. Her work with teen moms convinced her that services for pregnant teens should include a residential facility tailored to young moms and their babies. No other agency inContinue reading “Martha’s Foundation: A Sanctuary for Teen Moms”
Parents as Teachers
Photo by Vivek Kumar on Unsplash One of the dilemmas I faced when I taught teen moms was how to best balance facilitating their learning of academic principles and honoring their need to learn how to be mothers. Not surprisingly, girls were often distracted in the classroom by whatever was going on with their babiesContinue reading “Parents as Teachers”
Support for Single Moms: Arms of Hope
Several years ago, a women’s retreat I attended chose to benefit a charity through the donation of essential supplies. The Refuge Ranch in Bastrop, Texas, just southeast of Austin, provided residential care and support for former victims of sex trafficking. Many clients were adolescent girls. As part of our retreat, we packed “goody bags” forContinue reading “Support for Single Moms: Arms of Hope”
Supporting Teen Moms in CA: Fristers
This week continues my commitment to celebrate organizations that support teen moms. While I’m deeply concerned for these young women’s welfare and that of their children, I know there are good people doing good things all over this country. Thank you to all those who have provided suggestions for other programs to highlight. I hopeContinue reading “Supporting Teen Moms in CA: Fristers”
Partnerships Supporting Teen Moms: Nurse-Family Partnership
I’ve been writing the past few months about my serious concerns for the well-being of pregnant teens, teen moms, and their children. They risk poverty, health crises, and other serious challenges. I fear the resources available to them will shrink even more in the upcoming administration. As we begin a new year, I’d like toContinue reading “Partnerships Supporting Teen Moms: Nurse-Family Partnership”
Maternal Deaths … Collateral Damage?
A crisis is brewing in Texas, where I live. Rural areas of Texas already feel the pinch, but women all over the state will soon feel the effects of dwindling OB-GYN services. There are multiple factors contributing to this coming catastrophe, but most could be avoided if the Texas legislature were to prioritize the healthContinue reading “Maternal Deaths … Collateral Damage?”
Children of Teen Moms: The Risks
In my last newsletter, “Sixteen and Pregnant,” I explained some of the challenges faced by teen moms with their health, economic status, educational attainment, and employment opportunities. Unfortunately, the children may suffer even greater consequences than their mothers. Here’s a roundup of potential consequences to the children of teen moms, according to Youth.gov, culled fromContinue reading “Children of Teen Moms: The Risks”
Treasure Chested
Several years ago, a colleague and I were setting up a display table for a student event at the community college where we both worked. As I was adjusting the retractable banner featuring the college’s biotechnology program, Mona reached into her blouse to retrieve her cell phone from her bra. Is there room in thereContinue reading “Treasure Chested”
Sixteen and Pregnant … Roadblocks Ahead
“My dad told me having this baby was my punishment for having sex,” a student in my biology class once told me. I was startled for a moment but finally said, “Please don’t ever think of your baby as a punishment.” I was angry that her father would tell her such a thing. Learning yourContinue reading “Sixteen and Pregnant … Roadblocks Ahead”
Janice Airhart 