Teen Pregnancy

THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON NATIONAL TEEN PREGNANCY PREVENTION MONTH MAY 2000 Warm greetings to everyone observing National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month, 2000. Today we are seeing real reason for hope and optimism in our national campaign to prevent teen pregnancy. According to recent statistics, the teen birth rate declined 18 percent between 1991 and 1998, and the teen pregnancy rate is at the lowest level on record since 1976. Teens in every state, across ethnic and racial groups, are making more responsible life decisions. As a nation, we can be proud of these encouraging trends. But we must ensure that the commitment from communities, families, and individuals remains strong. New findings from the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy suggest that teens are becoming more cautious about sex and that they want adult advice and direction about love and relationships. These findings remind us that teens truly do care what adults think, that it is never too late to open the lines of communication with the young people in our lives, and that children of all ages want their parents' guidance, approval, and support. My Administration has worked hard to strengthen families and to provide teens with the opportunities they need to make the most of their lives. I have requested $1 billion in my proposed fiscal 2001 budget to provide more after-school and summer school opportunities for students across the nation -- a proposal that would allow nearly 2.5 million students to participate in safe, structured, and engaging activities during the non-school hours. These programs have a proven track record in reducing risk behaviors and improving the chances for young people to do better in school. In addition, for teenage parents who are not able to live at home, I have proposed $25 million for Second Chance Homes -- adult-supervised, supportive living arrangements that offer parenting skills, job counseling, and educational and other referrals. These homes will help reduce repeat pregnancies, break the cycle of dependency, and improve health outcomes for children. As we continue to move forward on this critical issue, let us thank the parents, teachers, health workers, clergy, and others who are working tirelessly to ensure that teens know they have someone who cares about them. And, most important, let us applaud the growing number of young men and women in this country who are saying "no" to too-early pregnancy and parenthood and "yes" to a brighter future. Best wishes to all for a successful observance. PHOTOCOPY Biu Crinton WJC HANDWRITING