News (Noticias) Tagged ‘teen pregnancy’

Democratic Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis represents California’s 32nd Congressional District. The Congresswoman has been instrumental in creating legislation that has addressed issues important to Latinos: H.R. 359 - Cesar Estrada Chavez Study Act of 2007, H.R. 468, Communities of Color Teen Pregnancy Prevention Act of 2007, H.R. 1103 – Environmental Justice Act of 2007 and the H.R. 542 – Culturally Competent Veteran Care Act, to name a few.”*

Perhaps a record number of Latina teenagers in Minnesota are getting pregnant today, and community leaders are working to reverse it.

Minnesota’s teen birth rate increased 7 percent between 2005 and 2006, according to the St. Paul nonprofit Minnesota Organization on Adolescent Pregnancy, Prevention and Parenting (MOAPPP). The organization reported that this increase is more than twice the increase at the national level.

Among Minnesota’s Latina teenagers, however, MOAPPP reported a considerable 13 percent increase in the teen birth rate from 2005 to 2006.”*

Today is the National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. It’s a day that should be solemnly observed by every Latino family with teenage children. Why?

Because while the overall national rate of teen pregnancy has declined, it has actually increased among Latina girls. Sarah Brown, CEO of the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, said, “The teen pregnancy rate for Hispanic teens increased slightly between 2003 and 2004 and, for the first time, Hispanic teens now have the highest rates of both teen pregnancy and births. Also, data released in December 2007 show a 3% increase in the teen birth rate between 2005 and 2006, the first increase in the teen birth rate in 15 years.”"*

However, pregnancy rates among Hispanic and black teens and young women were more than double that of their white counterparts.

The percentage of births wanted at conception fell from 90 percent in 1996 to 86 percent in 2003, with just 74 percent of black women, 83 percent Hispanic women and 89 percent of white women saying their pregnancies were planned.

Some 37 percent of pregnancies for black women ended in abortion, compared with 12 percent for white women and 19 percent for Hispanic women.”*

*From: http://afp.google.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

Births to Hispanic teenagers living in the western part of Massachusetts — a state with one of the lowest teen pregnancy rates in the nation — are more prevalent than teen births among other groups and the rate is growing, a health expert said at a conference on Monday, the Springfield Republican reports.

According to Patricia Quinn, executive director of the Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy, who spoke at an event sponsored by the Youth Empowerment Adolescent Health Network, 65% of teenage births in Springfield, Mass., were to Hispanics in 2006, up from 48% a decade earlier. Sarah Perez-McAdoo, co-founder of the network and an obstetrician-gynecologist at Baystate Medical Center, said the Hispanic teenage pregnancy rate in Massachusetts is six times higher than that of non-Hispanics. “*

*From: http://www.kaisernetwork.org
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

A sense of personal control over sexual behaviors strongly influences Latina women’s decisions of when to first engage in sex, report researchers from the University of Chicago Medical Center in the November issue of the Journal of Adolescent Health.

Greater sense of personal control over sexual behaviors appeared to be the strongest factor influencing delay. This suggests that Latina women’s own beliefs regarding timing of first sexual intercourse may outweigh the influence of family, friends, and partners.

The study also revealed a high correlation between a young Latina’s decision about when to first initiate sexual activity and her family’s expectations.

“Both personal control and family expectations had a very important role in delaying early initiation of sex,” said study author Melissa Gilliam, MD, MPH, section chief of Family Planning at the University of Chicago Medical Center. “If the daughter perceived that her family felt her education was important, then it led her to delay sex.”

Gilliam and colleagues conducted seven focus groups to determine survey questions most relevant to the culture and experience of the young Latina population. They then developed, tested and administered the survey in both English and Spanish to a separate group of 270 Latinas, between the ages of 17 and 25. The age at the time of sexual initiation ranged from 12 to 24 with 16.15 years as the mean.

The study also found a strong correlation with the young woman’s mother’s age at first pregnancy and the age of the young woman’s first sexual partner. The greater the age difference between the woman and her older partner, the more likely she was to engage in sex at an earlier age.

This study on the sexual attitudes of a specific population is unique because researchers used focus groups to develop the survey questions. If they had found that other factors influenced behavior then they would have included questions on those subjects.

“If focus group participants had said that music played a big role in their behaviors or drug use or gangs, then those topics would be in the model,” Gilliam said.

Statistics from previous studies show that compared to African-American and white adolescents, the Latina population has higher rates of teen pregnancy despite lower rates of sexual activity, and they are less likely to use contraception the first time they have sex. “There are these health disparities that very much track along racial, ethnic lines,” Gilliam said.

Many times researchers presuppose the questions that should be asked and design questionnaires based on those suppositions, said Gilliam, whose work identifies populations most at risk for unintended pregnancy and ways to improve education. “They’re often not rooted in the belief systems of a population.

“If we’re serious about doing research in understudied populations, especially with adolescents, we want to start moving away from cultural comparisons,” she said. “We want to start thinking about questions that are culturally appropriate for the group being studied.””*

*From: http://www.eurekalert.org
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

In fact, Jamie Lynn Spears and her pregnant peers are the victims of a one and half billion dollar social experiment: the national implementation of the abstinence until marriage policy. For the duration of the Bush administration, the policy of preference is to simply tell teens not to have sex before marriage. Like the Just Say No to drugs campaigns of the Reagan years, it too has been a colossal failure. Abstinence-only programs have not succeeded in convincing kids not to have sex, but have led many not to use contraception. To scare kids kids away sexual activity, abstinence-only programs focus on the dangers of sex. If contraception is ever mentioned it is to highlight (and exaggerate) its failure rates. If a girl is told that even if her boyfriend uses a condom she’ll get pregnant once every seven times -as the popular abstinence program “Choosing the Best Way” instructs-the incentive to use one dissipates.”*

Hispanic youths in North Carolina, struggling to find acceptance in U.S. culture, are increasingly turning to gangs and other self-destructive behavior, according to studies and those who follow the trends.

Nearly 9 percent of Hispanic high school students dropped out of high school in the 2005-06 school year - a rate higher than any other group in the state and double the rate of white students, according to state figures. More than half of Hispanic girls in North Carolina are expected to be pregnant before their 20th birthdays, according to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy.

And the problems are getting worse, according to a national survey by New York University professor Marcelo Suarez-Orozco, which found that immigrant teens were doing worse in school five years after the study began.”*

A new prenatal care center is hoping to give birth to a new way of thinking about pregnancy.

Healthy Mothers/Healthy Babies Coalition of Palm Beach County has opened the Centro de Bienestar Familiar in Lantana, a facility that will provide a variety of free health and education services, particularly to Hispanic women and their families living in nearby communities. A grand opening was held Tuesday.

The center also will offer parenting classes, teen pregnancy support groups and classes for new fathers.”*

Along with many of her Latina friends at her middle school in Southeast Washington, D.C., three years ago Beverly Zeleya treated sex lightly. No one told her about contraception, so she didn’t use it. As a result, she wound up pregnant and had a baby boy at the age of 13. Now in high school and a good deal wiser, she observes the same reckless behavior among her peers there. Many attend “skipping parties”—as in skipping school—where they shed their inhibitions with the help of alcohol, pot and other drugs and hook up with guys who are usually older than they are. “If the girl likes the guy, they will hang out with them and they don’t think twice,” says Zeleya. “They just think once.”

That despairing portrait is no aberration. Though teen pregnancy rates are declining generally, they remain stubbornly high for Latinas and blacks. According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, 51 percent of Latina teens become pregnant at least once before reaching 20—a full 20 points higher than the national average. While that figure is still lower than the 58-percent rate for African-Americans, it’s declining at a considerably slower pace: teen pregnancy rates decreased 29 percent for blacks and whites in the 1990s, compared to just 19 percent for Latinas. Part of the reason: current educational programs aimed at the Hispanic community are failing to connect culturally, say Bill Albert and Ruthie Flores of the National Campaign’s Latino Initiative, which was launched this spring. Their project seeks to bridge the divide with a recently completed educational manual—the first of its kind—that will be distributed to schools, community groups and health clinics across the country in November.”*

“Estradas story is part of the eye-catching fertility statistics among Hispanic American women, who, on average, begin families earlier, have fewer abortions and, in their younger years, produce almost twice as many babies as other groups: 82 births per 1,000 among females aged 15 to 19, compared with the national average of 42 per 1,000.

National teen pregnancy rates have declined about 35 percent since 1991, but the rate for Hispanic teens is dropping at half that pace, according to a March report by the Washington-based National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, which has a goal of reducing teen pregnancy by one-third between 2006 and 2015.”

“Montgomery County officials say a jump in the number of young Hispanic mothers is behind an overall increase in the countys teen birthrate. A report presented to county leaders on Thursday shows that overall births among women aged 15 to 19 in the county were up by 16 percent between 2002 and 2005, bucking a national and statewide trend. “

“MTV Tr3s will present advertisers with an upfront programming slate that spotlights the music, lifestyle and interactive DNA of Latino youth during a six-city road show that kicks off today in San Antonio. Included in the slate are 12 returning shows such as “MiTRL,” “Sucker Free Latino” and “Pimpeando,” and 12 new original productions that the rapidly expanding bilingual network has greenlit.

Since launching in September 2006, MTV Tr3s has become the most widely distributed Latino pop culture destination in America by securing widespread distribution that includes broadcast, cable and satellite. More than 30 broadcast TV stations, thousands of cable headends, satellite distributor DirectTV, as well as Telco providers, Verizon FIOS and AT&T-Uverse now carry MTV Tr3s. MTV Tr3s reaches more than 28 million households overall and 5.5MM Hispanic TV Households, which is nearly half of all Hispanic TV households.

“When MTV Tr3s launched, our goal was to validate the fast-growing and influential Latino youth segment with the creation of an MTV-style pop-culture entertainment TV network and we are well on our way,” said Lucia Ballas- Traynor, SVP and General Manager of MTV Tr3s. MTV Tr3s programming captures young Latinos’ celebratory spirit, the duality of their lives, their attitudes and Latin pride and passion and tells their stories the way they want them told. We personify the unique world that young Latinos have proudly created.”

The cultural passion points that define and differentiate the MTV Tr3s audience are central to the returning and new programming picks made by Lily Neumeyer, MTV Tr3s VP of Programming and Production. “Our audience has very high standards and has been extremely open with us about what they want to see. MTV Tr3s listens to our audience, responds with programming and in this sense is truly co-creating our network with today’s young Latinos,” said Neumeyer.

Viewer Favorites Return

Among young Latinos’ favorite MTV Tr3s programs that are returning is the video countdown show “MiTRL” which is not only back but will be taken over by young Latinos’ favorite artists on a regular basis. They’ll bring their own countdown, answer questions from the audience, perform and may even ask a few of their famous friends to stop by and join them.

The network’s commitment to showcase established artists, provide a platform for a new generation of Latino artists and introduce new genres of music also continues with “Artist of the Month,” “Descubre & Download,” “Sucker Free Latino” and “Indie 101.”

Digital technology and interactive components are an integral part of returning franchises like “TXTO” where thousands of unique users use SMS for shout outs and dedications. Based on the success MTV Tr3s has with “TXTO,” the network is adding “UrbTXTO” which focus on urban music and artists and viewers get to “hola” to their “peeps” and “pimp their names.”

The humor, food, dance, fashion, relationships, issues and rites of passage that matter to Latino youth are featured in returning lifestyle series such as audience favorites “Quiero Mis Quinces,” the weekly show that documents the elaborate quinceanera parties that are a coming-out tradition when Latinas turn 15, and “Pimpeando,” where viewers get the latest in Latino car culture.

“Los Premios MTV,” a network special, will also be back with five MTV Tr3s Viewer Choice Awards and voting over cell phones and the web. There are also several “MTV Unplugged” specials in the works for 2008.

New Ways to Connect Deeply with Artists

New music-based programming is at the heart of the MTV Tr3s upfront programming slate, which introduces new ways to deepen the audience’s connection with their favorite artists. Three new original series, “Rock Dinner,” “Hachetetepe” and “Tour-ismo” will have their debut during the 07/08 upfront period.

In “Rock Dinner,” MTV Tr3s will knock on a lucky viewer’s door and announce a special dinner guest. With only 12 hours to prepare the food, the house and the parents, this excited fan will have to stay cool while trying to impress their superstar dinner guest. The evening culminates when the invited artist plays an intimate and acoustic set for the fan and close friends, bringing the perfect ending to an unforgettable night.

“Hachetetepe,” will feature top artists in an intimate, first-hand narrative as they record their day-to-day experiences both on video and on an exclusive blog that allows the MTV Tr3s audience to interact with them directly.

For viewers that want to take a vacation with their favorite artists, MTV Tr3s introduces “Tour-ismo,” a brightly provocative travel log for musicians. The show follows a band on tour in a new city they are visiting for the very first time, allowing viewers to get to know the city through the eyes of that band/singer.

New Content that Defines and Differentiates

Young Latinos’ unique lifestyle and hybrid identity are also put at the center of the MTV Tr3s upfront programming slate in new offerings that include “Bust a Ritmo,” “Tr3s.docs,” “Fashionista” and “Drive In Cinema.”

In “Bust a Ritmo,” young Latinos try to impress family and friends with their new dance moves. The goal is for the contestant to fulfill a major goal through dance from surprising a girlfriend with a marriage proposal to giving his salsa-loving mom the best mother’s day of her life. Short form dance instructionals will allow viewers at home to get the same training.

“Tr3s.docs” is a documentary destination covering the issues that are most important and relevant to young Latinos living in the U.S., such as immigration, education, teen pregnancy and the war in Iraq.

For viewers who love music and fashion, MTV Tr3s presents “Fashionista,” a special that will feature live performances, a runway fashion show with the latest styles from Latino designers and a run down of favorite celebrities who raised the fashion bar and those who missed the mark completely.

“Drive In Cinema” delivers on two Latino passion points, car culture and movies. In this MTV Tr3s original production, Latino members from the most famous car clubs on the west coast will drive in their pimped out cars for a day of celebration of car and pop culture. A huge stage will be set up to enjoy live music performances, culminating with the premiere of a movie.

Interactive DNA of Latino Youth

New technologies are an essential part of a Latino youth’s DNA and new MTV Tr3s productions like “Efe o Efe,” “Videolucha,” “6 Degrees” and “Dame un Break” promise to take engagement to a whole new level.

“Efe o Efe” is a pop culture interactive quiz that uses SMS technology to allow viewers to accumulate points and win prizes. In “Videolucha” MTV Tr3s makes the hottest videos battle it out live on an interactive show with the audience selecting via SMS which video they want to watch next. Viewers are also in control with “6 Degrees,” watching and guessing what a series of music videos have in common … maybe they share a band member, were filmed in the same city, all have the same building, car, etc. Users go online and use their mobile phones to guess and are rewarded with prizes.

Finally, “Dame Un Break” provides unsigned acts (the viewers themselves) with the opportunity to be discovered. The audition process starts online and on mobile. Every three months, one lucky viewer gets a chance for a break. If their peers select their song, they could land a record deal and a music video that airs on MTV Tr3s.

MTV Tr3s’ programming is rooted in the fusion of American and Latino music, cultures, lifestyles and languages. Music programming is at the core of MTV Tr3s and the channel features hitmakers, emerging artists and new sounds that resonate with young U.S. Latinos. In addition to music programming, MTV Tr3s programming slate also features lifestyle series, news, documentaries and other long-form programs that celebrate U.S. Latino hybrid identity and culture.

2007/2008 upfront programming SLATE

New Original Productions

1. Rock Dinner
2. Hachetetepe
3. Tour-ismo
4. Bust a Ritmo
5. Tres.docs
6. Fashionista
7. Drive in Cinema
8. Efe o Efe
9. Videolucha
10. 6 Degrees
11. Dame un Break
12. UrbTXTO

Returning Franchises

1. Mi TRL
2. Sucker Free Latino
3. Indie 101
4. Quiero Mis Quinces
5. Pimpeando
6. Los Premios MTV
7. TXTO
8. Descubre & Download
9. Artist of the Month
10. Movie Tr3.s pass
11. Unplugged
12. Spankin’ New Week

Website:

“The National Council of La Raza NCLR, the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the U.S., will partner with the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy on a new education and outreach initiative aimed at Latino teens and young adults. The launch of the new initiative was announced today at a news conference on Capitol Hill featuring Representative Hilda Solis D-CA.

“Nearly half of Latinas become pregnant before age 20. High teen pregnancy rates are robbing our young women of too many opportunities – the opportunity to go to college, the opportunity to start a rewarding career, and the opportunity to fulfill their dreams of a better future,” stated Janet Murguí, NCLR President and CEO.

“Unplanned and unprotected sex also poses serious health risks for Latinas. That’s why we welcome the opportunity to work in partnership with Representative Solis and the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy on this issue,” continued Murguí.

“The National Campaign has been a key leader in the successful effort to reduce overall teen pregnancy rates in our country. The new Latino initiative will build on this track record of success and zero in on the specific themes, messages, and approaches we need to reach Hispanic young people, especially those overlooked by traditional mainstream efforts,” Murguí said.

“We commend Representative Solis for her passion and leadership on this issue. I can think of no better champion than Hilda Solis to spearhead our efforts on Capitol Hill,” noted Murguí.

“The National Campaign has involved Hispanic community-based organizations and substantive experts at every phase, and on every level, of this campaign. They’re going about this exactly the right way, which gives me great confidence that we can successfully reverse the teen pregnancy crisis in our community,” concluded Murguí.”

“Latino teens (46% of boys and 51% of girls) say that parents most influence their decisions about sex, according to a new nationally representative survey released by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. Even so, Latina teen girls (63%) are less likely than their peers (74% of White and 66% of Black teens) to say they have had a helpful conversation with their parents about delaying sex and avoiding teen pregnancy. And fully three-quarters of Latinos (73% of adults and 75%
of teens) believe that parents send one message about sex to their sons and a different message to their daughters.

Teen pregnancy and birth rates among all teens have declined by about one- third since the early 1990s. Even so, the Latino teen pregnancy rate is almost twice the national average and has declined about half as fast as the national rate. At present, the National Campaign estimates that 51% of Latinas get pregnant at least once by age 20 (compared to 3 in 10 nationally). In addition, a new summary analysis of existing data prepared by the National Campaign also shows that the birth rate for Latinas aged 15-19 increased in 17 of 47 reporting states and the District of Columbia between 1990 and 2003.

For these reasons and others, the National Campaign has begun a new initiative focused specifically on helping the Latino community in its efforts to reduce continued high rates of adolescent pregnancy and childbearing. The official launch of the new initiative takes place at a forum on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, March 28, 1:30-2:30 pm, in Room HC-8 of the Capitol Building. Leaders of the National Campaign, members of our Latino Initiative Advisory Group, as well as members of Congress will be on hand for the launch event. (Visit www.teenpregnancy.org/initiative for more detailed information.)

Other findings from the survey include: — Most Latino teen boys (57%) say they often receive the message that they are expected to have sex and half of Latina girls (54%) say they often receive the message that attracting boys and looking sexy is one of the most important things they can do. — The majority of sexually experienced Latino teens (62% of boys and 74% of girls) say they wish they had waited. — Seven in ten Latino teens (74% of girls and 65% of boys) say they wish they were getting more information about abstinence and contraception, rather than either/or. — Fully 82% of Latino teens agree that religious leaders and groups should be doing more to help prevent teen pregnancy. — One in five Latino teens (20%) say that being a teen parent would have no effect (13%) or actually help (7%) teens to reach their goals for the future.

About the survey. The survey canvassed 1,037 young people age 12-19 and 1,162 adults 20 years and older — including an over-sampling of Latino adults (202) and teens (221) — and provides nationally representative estimates of each age group. The telephone surveys took place between September and October 2006 and were conducted by International Communications Research (www.icrsurvey.com/), an independent research company. To read the embargoed survey, visit www.teenpregnancy.org/voices.

Funding. This new initiative of the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy is made possible thanks to the generous support of our Latino Initiative sponsors, in particular our lead sponsor, the Turner Foundation (www.turnerfoundation.org/). Visit www.teenpregnancy.org/espanol/donors.asp to view a complete list of our Latino Initiative sponsors.

About the National Campaign. Founded in 1996, the National Campaign is a private, nonprofit organization with the goal of reducing the teen pregnancy rate by one-third between 2006 and 2015.

Source: National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy”

“Watsonville shoulders much of the burden of teen pregnancy in Santa Cruz County. In 2005, four of every five births to county teens aged 15 to 19 were to Pajaro Valley girls, according to the Community Assessment Project report.

Meanwhile the countys overall teen birth rate has dropped dramatically since 1996, more than 18 percent. But the bulk of the decline is in Santa Cruz. During the same 10 years, Watsonvilles decline has been barely noticeable. “

Part two can be found here

“Attention Deficit Disorder ADD affects between four to 12 percent of children in the United States-its one of the most common disorders among children in the United States. Those who are affected by ADD often have a hard time focusing in school, are easily distracted, and may be hyperactive or impulsive. ADD can affect people of all ethnicities, and many Latino families struggle with the disorder.

According to a 2005 study, there is often a stigma around psychiatric disorders in the Latino community. Mental health problems can be difficult for any family, and Latino parents in the U.S., living between two cultures, may be concerned about stigma. They may see the symptoms of ADD, such as misbehaving, fidgeting too much, or not following instructions or rules, as a lack of discipline, and parents sometimes blame themselves for not being strict enough with their children.

“Hispanics sometimes do not look for help because they feel their own children do not have a problem. Sometimes they feel there are problems with the medication. Others have problems with the fact that the child may have a mental health problem,” said Dr. Raul Silva, Deputy Director in the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at New York University School of Medicine.

Appropriate diagnosis and treatment of ADD is important. Studies have shown that children with ADD, in the general population, who are not treated often do not perform as well in school and are at higher risk for drug abuse and teen pregnancy.

“Some of the obstacles these children with ADD face at school have to do with being able to focus and finish tasks, and having difficulty learning,” said Dr. Silva. “Some of the problems that older children in high school face have to do with knowing how to be organized, and how to prioritize their tasks. Parents may worry about whether the child will be able to learn, and if he or she will be able to make friends.”

The good news is that treatment can improve symptoms in the vast majority of children with ADD. For most people with ADD, medication is an important part of treatment.

Some parents may not believe that ADD medicines will work, or they may worry about giving their child medication, but if families work with their doctor to find the right treatment, it can make a big difference for the child.

“Medications can help children with ADD in several different ways. They can calm them down or keep them from getting overstimulated. In many cases, the treatments can help children focus much better on tasks like schoolwork,” said Dr. Silva.

The medications used to treat ADD have been around for more than 50 years. Since then, newer medications were introduced to last longer, helping manage symptoms all day. One medication, Focalin(R) XR (dexmethylphenidate HCl) extended release capsules, is taken once-a-day in the morning. Focalin XR works by one hour and helps manage ADD symptoms for up to 12 hours. Focalin XR and other ADD medicines can improve symptoms so that a child with ADD can be more successful.

“In studies, Focalin XR has been shown to cause a significant decrease in the symptoms of ADD, such as hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and lack of attention,” noted Dr. Silva.

Seeking out mental health treatment resources in the community, such as Spanish-speaking support groups, can also help both parents and children with the feelings of isolation, and may help overcome stigma. ADD is not just bad behavior, and it is not caused by poor parenting or lack of discipline. Getting the correct information about the disorder, what causes it, and how to treat it is very important for all parents of children with ADD.

For more information about ADD, talk to your child’s doctor, or visit www.chadd.org. “

“In many Hispanic homes, there are certain things you dont talk about.

Sex. Condoms. And birth control pills.

Even as teen pregnancy rates have declined in Arizona and across the country over the last decade, the teen pregnancy rate among Latinas remains high. “

“Unless the life chances of children raised by single mothers suddenly improve, the explosive growth of the U.S. Hispanic population over the next couple of decades does not bode well for American social stability. Hispanic immigrants bring near–Third World levels of fertility to America, coupled with what were once thought to be First World levels of illegitimacy. (In fact, family breakdown is higher in many Hispanic countries than here.) Nearly half of the children born to Hispanic mothers in the U.S. are born out of wedlock, a proportion that has been increasing rapidly with no signs of slowing down. Given what psychologists and sociologists now know about the much higher likelihood of social pathology among those who grow up in single-mother households, the Hispanic baby boom is certain to produce more juvenile delinquents, more school failure, more welfare use, and more teen pregnancy in the future.

The government social-services sector has already latched onto this new client base; as the Hispanic population expands, so will the demands for a larger welfare state. Since conservative open-borders advocates have yet to acknowledge the facts of Hispanic family breakdown, there is no way to know what their solution to it is. But they had better come up with one quickly, because the problem is here””and growing.”

“Latina teens have the highest rate of attempted suicide of any adolescent group ”” roughly 15%. Why? They are often caught between the conservative values of their parents and the freewheeling ways of contemporary society. They end up feeling isolated and hopeless. Mental health care isn’t always an option because of financial constraints, limited bilingual resources and the stigma it carries.

A teen pregnancy epidemic envelops these same girls, and Latinas fare the worst among ethnic groups. About half will become pregnant before age 20.

About two-thirds of Latino teens are children of immigrants, likely to be raised in traditionally Catholic households where birth control and abortion are taboo. These young Latinas also face confusing identity issues; they’re expected to fulfill customary gender roles ”” helping their parents, tending to siblings.”

“California’s ethnically diverse populations have as many similarities as they do differences in their attitudes and opinions about teen sexuality and pregnancy prevention, according to a public opinion poll conducted by the Field Research Corporation.

The Get Real About Teen Pregnancy public education campaign today released the results of a statewide telephone survey of more than 1,300 adults in California, with equal representation among African American, Caucasian, Filipino, Hispanic and Vietnamese respondents. These ethnic groups were chosen based on their percentage of the overall population and rates of teen births among each population. This survey was designed to identify the impact that cultural identity may have on teenage pregnancy prevention in an effort to help develop or reinforce successful prevention strategies that are respectful of cultural attitudes. The survey also tested a few assumptions about various ethnic groups’ attitudes and opinions about teenage pregnancy prevention, finding that some stereotypical assumptions were incorrect.”

“By all appearances, Latino families are connected — unfortunately, that’s not entirely la verdad.

A new survey released in the 2006 May edition of Latina magazine and sponsored by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy and Latina magazine show that when it comes to talking about sex Latino families could not be more disconnected. “

“Teen pregnancy rates among Hispanics in Bexar County and across the U.S. remain stubbornly high and are decreasing more slowly than teen birth rates overall, according to a recent report that seeks more culturally relevant ways to reach this growing population.

Fifty-one percent of Hispanic teen girls get pregnant at least once before age 20, says the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy’s latest report, “Bridging Two Worlds: How Teen Pregnancy Prevention Programs Can Better Serve Latino Youth.” That compares with the national average of 35 percent of all teens ”” still a high number, but one that has dropped dramatically in the past decade.”

“Like the three wise men who brought precious gifts to the Christ child, Latino dads must bear special presents to their children.

The gifts that Latino youths require to avoid dropping out of school, teen pregnancy, gang violence, drug use and cultural confusion are their dads’ time, respect and guidance….”

Please note some (many) sites require registration. Many times it is free.

“Research has long connected teens’ own religious beliefs with their sexual attitudes and behavior. New research released by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy indicates that teens’ from religious families and those with friends who regularly attend religious services tend to have sex at later ages compared to teens whose parents have religious beliefs that are not as strong and whose peers don’t attend services as regularly.

This new research — developed by Child Trends and released by the National Campaign — is being released in conjunction with a new guide, “Faith, Hope, and Love: How Latino Faith Communities Can Help Prevent Teen Pregnancy.” Created in partnership with a distinguished group of advisors, the guide provides faith leaders serving Latino families ideas to help young people avoid too- early pregnancy and parenthood. Currently, half of all Latina teens get pregnant by age 20 and Latina teens have the highest teen birth rate among major racial/ethnic groups.”

Please note some (many) sites require registration. Many times it is free.