WSMV Channel 4 Adults in one county say teens are trying to get pregnant

Adults in one county say teens are trying to get pregnant

There are alarming numbers regarding the teen pregnancy rate in one county. Perhaps even more troubling than the statistics, is the reason behind them. Adults in the community said the girls are getting pregnant on purpose.

According to numbers from the Tennessee Department of Health, Houston County's total teen pregnancy rate is the fourth highest in the state. About 76 out of every 1,000 teenage girls are pregnant. People in Houston County said that's way too many.

Dorris Boon has lived in Houston County her entire life. She said because it's a small town, everyone knows almost everything about everyone.

So, it was no surprise to her or any other local resident we talked to to learn their county has the fourth highest teen pregnancy rate in the state.

"They have no idea what is coming," said Boon. "The community has got to get in, and the medical profession has to get in it because there is so much misinformation," said Boon.

Houston County high schools do have sex education classes. But adults said the problem is more with the culture teens have now created.

"They think it's cool, but it's not a baby doll. It's a baby. It's accepted amongst the kids," said Boon. "And they're proud of it. That's the concerning thing, they're proud of it."

Rebecca Hill said she knows girls as young as 12 years old who are pregnant and proud of it. She said it's a problem that adults must pay attention to.

"You're not going to fix it just doing nothing. It not only affects the child involved, the teenager, but it impacts their parents and the grandparents, too," said Hill.

Locals suspect it may be worse in rural areas like Erin, TN.

"They have nothing to do, but I don't think they want the responsibility of a baby. Then they aren't going to have anything to do except raise a baby," said Boon.

So, what's the solution?

Houston County parents said it starts with them, then the doctors, the teachers, and the students themselves.

Health experts suggest sex education at an earlier age.

"I think it's an issue of teaching the girls the consequences of what their actions are," said Boon.

Thousands of federal dollars have already been spent in the Houston County school system for sex education. The state health department has resources as well. So do agencies like Planned Parenthood.

For more information on dealing with teen pregnancy:

http://www.tn.gov/education/schoolhealth/doc/Teen_Pregnancy_Prevention.pdf

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