New York City’s Human Resource Administration is planning a media blitz to curb teenage pregnancies, beginning with ads on buses, in subways, and online that feature images of babies who ask hypothetical questions such as “got a good job, I cost thousands of dollars a year to raise.”
Although teen pregnancies have fallen by 27% over the past decade (25% in the South Bronx alone), Mayor Michael Bloomberg was quick to note that more than 80% of those that do occur are unplanned.
“There is a greater need for earlier education. Studies show that teen moms and dads are more likely to drop out of high school and not get jobs that can pay enough to care for a child. By focusing on responsibility and the importance of education, employment and family in providing children with the emotional and financial support they need, we will let thousands of New Yorkers know that waiting to become a parent could be the best decision they ever make,” he said in a statement.
The campaign will also include a page on nyc.gov where viewers can see real life teen parents discuss their experiences in peer-to-peer video diaries.
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