Agenda - 12-04-2006-7a - Laserfiche WebLink

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I. Access to Health Care RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACTION... • Amend the state constitution to recognize health care as a fundamental right. • Increase funding to Public Health Departments to provide adequate, accessible family planning services and information to underserved women. • Remove restrictions and adequate fund the State Abortion Fund. ~ Adolescent Pregnancy Preventing adolescent pregnancy is an ongoing public policy need in NC. In 2002, more than 18,000 girls ages 10-19 became pregnant -representing 51 teen pregnancies per day. Fortunately, the state's adolescent pregnancy rates continue to decline, and since 1990, NC's rates have declined by more than 30 percent. Compromising the news regarding declining rates is the fact that the state still has the thirteenth highest birth rate for 15-19-year-olds in the US. NC also has the nation's highest birth rate among Hispanic teens. State officials have taken some important steps to address teen pregnancy, and public funding is provided for prevention programs and initiatives. Currently in NC, 61 local programs receive full or partial support from a $3.3 million plus per year appropriation that supports adolescent pregnancy prevention projects. Federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds represent $1.5 million of the $3.3 million. Many of these funded projects are located in the poorest communities with the highest teen pregnancy rates. The funds are used to support primary prevention programs (meaning prevention of first pregnancies) and secondary prevention programs (prevention of second pregnancies, including support and encouragement to teen parents in completing high school or GED requirements, and in the improvement of parenting skills). Before these funds were cut in 2002, seventy-one (71) local programs were being funded. Funds appropriated during the 2004 Legislative Session, did not fall below the 2003 level of funding. However, cuts that were made in 2002 have not been restored and many local communities throughout NC have fewer or no resources to combat teen pregnancies and out- of-wedlock births. The goal is not only to restore funding to the 2001 level, but also to increase funding for these important prevention programs so that more young people can be served. While strides are being made in the state, much more needs to be done. In tandem with preventing teen pregnancy, more emphasis should be placed on preventing sexually transmitted diseases. NC has, according to data from the CDC, the - (1) seventh highest rate of syphilis infection in the United States, (2) seventh highest rate of chlamydia infection in the United States, and (3) fifth highest rate of gonorrhea infection in the United States. Adolescents in NC are much more likely to become infected with syphilis compared to adolescents in other states. NC's adolescent population is more likely to become infected with chlamydia compared to adolescents in other states. (Chlamydia, if untreated, causes sterilization.) Adolescents in the state are more likely to become infected with gonorrhea compared to adolescents in other states. In addition, according to a Yale University study, teen girls who have recently had a baby may have a higher risk of contracting an STD in the year after giving birth. Researchers stress the need for postpartum follow-up for young mothers that includes STD prevention as well as pregnancy prevention. Adolescents are the least likely segment of the population to use health services. Without assurances and access to confidential health services, teenagers often will not seek care or will stop seeking the care they desire and need. NC law permits adolescents to receive confidential health services related to pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS, mental health, and substance abuse. Health care professionals will and are required by law to notify a minor's parents or guardians if the minor's life is in danger. While it is desirable that teenagers tallc to their parents about important health issues, it is more 2006-2007 Women's D~•aftAgenda 4