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UK Aims to Beat US in Teen Pregnancy Race
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The U.K. is trying to beat the U.S. at its own game
*This article is written with tongue firmly planted in cheek*
For many years the race to have the highest teen pregnancy rate among developed nations was a one sided affair. Up and comers like Hungary, Canada, New Zealand and Australia all seemed unfit to really even change the diapers of the overwhelming leader--the U.S. Now, however, it looks like the U.K. has finally started to “step up” and give the United States a real run for their money.
Back in 1996 the U.K. was a distant fourth to the teen pregnancy juggernaut which is the United States, but through perseverance, dedication and maybe a little luck the Americans can now say, “The Redcoats are coming!” again. That’s right, the British are setting their sights on the U.S. once more, but this time they want the teen pregnancy title.
How are the Brits catching up? Why have their teen pregnancy rates been increasing over the course of the past few decades? Apparently, teachers have been told to teach teenage boys about the joy of early fatherhood. Seriously. Teenagers should be equipped with the required 'skills, knowledge and attitudes' so they are prepared to bring up babies, says the British Department of Health.
Health lessons in the U.K. include ‘the enjoyment of fatherhood.’ These lessons are apparently being taken to heart by the British youth. Three teenage boys are trying to claim paternity for a fifteen year olds recent child—the youngest of the boys is 13 year old Alfie Patten. Good work lads! You seem to be listening! I wonder though, does health class award them extra credit points for paternity?
The U.K. government tells teachers to talk about ‘parenting aims and aspiration’ with their students. Besides aiming at being parents, British youth aspire to become teens, become better at the online game World of Warcraft and perhaps even learn how to drive.
The ultra conservative political party called the Tories isn’t convinced these teaching points are a good idea. The Tories caution that by teaching these guidelines from the Government's Teenage Pregnancy Unit may actually glamorize teen parenthood and condone irresponsible sex. Nah. The head of the pregnancy unit, Cathy Hamlyn, when asked about one of her outfit’s publications that shows pictures of young boys with babies said it was a ‘timely resource.’ She continues saying that teenage boys can be ‘proud and able parents.’
With tactics like these in place, the U.K. makes it clear that they not only want to close the gap between themselves and U.S. (when it comes to teen pregnancy) but overtake their rivals.
Some spoilers to look out for are folks like Patricia Morgan, a researcher on teenage parenthood. Patricia says that, 'Fatherhood before the age of 16 should be a matter for the police. The parents of teenagers involved should be charged with neglect for allowing them to sleep together under their roof. This is child abuse. After 16, fathers who want to help bring their children up should be given one piece of advice: Get a job.' With all her talk of responsibility and purpose many British teens may start getting the right idea.
Britain currently has the second-highest teen pregnancy rate in the developed world with 40.4 conceptions for each 1,000 girls aged 15 to 17.
The U.S. rate is highest, with 44 births registered for each 1,000 women aged 15 to 19.
What are your thoughts on teaching our youth how to be good teenage parents? Is this something that we should do in the U.S. to make sure we stay ahead of the British? What is your stance of teen pregnancy?
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