New Haven Teen Pregnancy Council makes recommendations

New Haven has formed a new council to address the city’s teen pregnancy rate which is twice the state average. According to the New Haven Register, in 2005 almost one in four 19-year old city residents had at least one child. While the rate is dropping, the rate for Latinos is still rising. The Council is based on a city task force that completed its report last year but released recommendations yesterday. The report calls for expansion of school-based health centers, more health education, outreach to boys, supports for pregnant and parenting teens and an emphasis on parents talking with their teens about sex.

The Public Health Committee yesterday also held a public hearing on SB-461, An Act Concerning Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Programs which would provide $1 million for sex education programs in schools.
Ellen Andrews