It’s the Christmas season … there’s no better time to talk about teen pregnancy! I’m being totally serious here. (And if you keep reading this WILL tie into Christmas!)
I first started thinking about this topic when I heard a recent report that the number of teen births have risen …
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Washington, DC — Today, the National Center for Health Statistics released preliminary 2006 birth data, and highlighted the fact that for the first time in 14 years, the teen birth rate has increased. The rate rose from 40.5 births per 1,000 females aged 15-19 in 2005 to 41.9 births per 1,000 in 2006–a 3 percent increase.
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I read some newspaper reports that are stating that abstinence education is the cause … that we’re not giving teens enough information on contraception. Hmmm … instead maybe we should consider:
*** All the movie stars having babies … MANY outside of marriage. On every magazine what do you see babies, babies, babies. It’s the new fashion accessory.
*** How sex is portrayed on TV and movies. If you are in love, jump in bed.
*** How sex is written about in books. Or in soap operas. It’s now if you’re chosing to have sex … it’s who’s sleeping with who THIS WEEK.
*** How we dress. Skin is in (unless you are in Montana and it’s December). We train young women to dress as sex goddesses and then shame them when they act like one?!
Also, should it be any surprise that Hollywood is on board with this trend?
There is a new movie called Juno opening December 14. It’s the third comedy of the year, after “Knocked Up” and “Waitress,” about an unexpected pregnancy. I plan on watching it … because my HOPE is that it has a good message of second chances and making right choices.
(link for article)
(link for trailer)
Actually, there’s a movie I want to watch even more than that … and it’s called Bella.
If that doesn’t make you want to run to the theater, I don’t know what does! You can find more information about it here: http://www.bellamoviesite.com/
Which leads me to Christmas! A few nights ago my family watched The Nativity Story
(link for trailer)
I TOTALLY recommend it. All members of my family greatly enjoyed it. In fact, I might watch it again soon. I loved how it brought the Roman persecuation of the Jews to life. But mostly I loved how it portrayed Mary as a teen facing an unexpected pregnancy. The shame. The whispers. The strength it took to believe that God had a plan.
It makes me think of my own story too. Nineteen years ago I was a pregnant teen–unsure of my future. Now look what God has done! He can bring GOOD out of any situation. He has for me! And he can for all those new moms who are young, yet enjoying their baby’s first Christmas this year.
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