A newly released CDC report shows that there was a 3 percent increase in births among 15-19 year olds, and a 4 percent increase among those 18-19 years of age.
It didn't take long for groups to offer explanations as to why there was an increase, despite the fact that the report doesn't offer any real explanation:
"The national policy of abstinence-only programmes just isn't working," Cecile Richards, the president of Planned Parenthood, said. "In the last decade more than $1bn has been wasted on abstinence-only programmes, when studies show they don't reduce the number of teen pregnancies or sexually transmitted infections." - Cecile Richards, President, Planned Parenthood
Since a number of studies have placed the majority share of the credit for declining rates with more effective contraceptive use, it is reasonable to raise serious concerns about the $1.5 billion dollars the government has spent over the last decade on abstinence-only-until-marriage programs that prohibit information about the use of contraception including condoms.- Advocates for Youth Press Release, PR Newswire
Without detailed data that could explain why there was an increase, such as decreases in overall abstinence and contraceptive use, these statements amount to nothing more than irresponsible speculation. It is expected that these groups will make similar statements in the coming election year, in an attempt to secure increased funding for contraception related programs.
And as far as wasted money goes, these increases don't bode well for the self righteous contraception crowd. Despite the fact that contraception is available at numerous places including restroom vending machines, drug stores, health clinics, convenience stores, hotels, and Planned Parenthood, teen birth rates rose.
To top it off, these groups have the nerve to ask for further funding so that they can continue to not solve the problem of teen pregnancy.
Maybe the births are up, but are the pregnancies up as well?
It could well be -- though they don't give you enough information to tell -- that fewer teens are getting pregnant, but more of those who do get pregnant are rejecting abortion and thus giving birth.
If your goal is reducing teen pregnancy, then you've succeeded if the pregnancy rate goes down, regardless of the outcome of the pregnancies. If your goal is to reduce teen births, then you've succeeded even if the pregnancy rate quadruples as long as all of those pregnant teenagers are hopping on the abortion table.