Teen pregnancy rates high, help exists

Judy Carte and Sheri Clark

Teen pregnancy prevention is an important issue at the Lake County Health Department, where anyone can be seen for reproductive health care.

Nationwide,  the teen pregnancy rates are on the rise.  This trend is also apparent in Lake County.

Although a lot of these pregnancies are occurring in our older teens between the ages of 18 and 19, it is also a fact that many of the girls in this age category are having their second child. It is noted that 25 percent of the fathers of the babies are at least four years older than the moms.

Montana Teen Pregnancy Facts that were published in May 2008 stated 46 percent of high school students report they have had sexual intercourse and that one out of six middle school students have also had sex.

The Title X Family Planning Program, at Lake County Health Department. is a key factor in preventing unintended pregnancy, including teen pregnancy.  Through education, testing and treatment we also help to reduce the rates of sexually transmitted diseases.  

The Family Planning Program provides services to males and females of reproductive age.  These services are confidential. Although we recognize the importance of parents being involved in their teens health issues and always encourage them to talk to their parent, a teen can be seen for reproductive health care needs without the parents consent.

Our services are based on a sliding scale fee which provides birth control as well as male and female reproductive health exams including yearly pap smears, breast exams, testicular exams and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted disease.

We are also available to do education on a one to one basis at appointments or to groups of people about reproductive health and sexually transmitted disease including HIV/AIDS.  We are currently involved in the “Know Campaign” that urges all of Lake County to know their HIV status.

The Lake County Health Department encourages you to call for an appointment for your health care.  In current times of financial problems, don’t leave pregnancy prevention or your health to chance.  You can also call for health care information.  For an appointment please call 883-7288.