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New 'My Voice, My Life' Curriculum Promotes Self-Determination, Good Decision-Making |
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From Ascribe Newsfeed: Several factors contribute to this high cost, including higher rates of premature births and low birth weights among teen mothers, a likelihood of poverty experienced by teen parents as well as other health and societal risks associated with teen pregnancy. Although the teen pregnancy and birth rates among teens have declined in recent years, some groups continue to see high rates, which alarms Alameda County public health officials. For example, among Latinas, the teen birth rate is almost twice the national average - declining about half as fast as the national rate. According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unintended Pregnancy, 51 percent of Latinas get pregnant at least once by age 20 - compared to 3 in 10 nationally. According to PHI Medical Director and Vice President of External Relations, and project coordinator, Dr. Carmen Nevarez, this campaign began with a school-based curriculum originally developed by the Mexican Institute on Family and Population (IMIFAP) in Mexico City. The curriculum was designed to help youth learn skills such as assertive communication and informed decision-making around their sexuality. "We were so impressed with what we saw in Mexico City - young people educating and training other youth about these very important issues and making healthy decisions in their own lives in order to divert teen pregnancy. The goal of ASPIRE is to instill in youth the belief that anything is possible if you aspire to dream - a dream that can be a positive alternative to teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unhealthy relationships.
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