South Carolina teens are at an increased risk of pregnancy for the first time in 15 years, according to the S.C. Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control recently released the latest findings for 2006 on teen pregnancy, which showed the numbers of pregnant girls between the ages of 10 to 19 had risen by 8 percent.
Forrest Alton, executive director for the campaign, said the increase in South Carolina is indicative of a rise in national rates, as well.
“One of the things I think it is important to know, is that the data in South Carolina is following a national trend,” Alton said. “This increase and subsequent cause for concern is not limited to the South Carolina borders.”
Three counties in the Pee Dee were among the top 10 in the state with the highest rates of teen pregnancy on the list. Marion County was No. 3 on the list. Dillon County was listed as No. 5 and Chesterfield County was ranked No. 9.
Darlington County ranked 27th in the list, Florence County was listed as 36th and Williamsburg County ranked No. 39 on the list.
The rankings weren’t compiled based on the actual number of teen pregnancies in the county, but rather on the number of teen pregnancies per capita in each county. More than 10,500 girls were pregnant in the state at the time of the polling.
Alton said he thinks the numbers are indicative of a feeling of complacency that has swept the state, stemming from the declining rates over the last several years.
“There’s no time for any of us to become complacent,” he said. “We know that an issue as complex as teen pregnancy requires a complex solution. And more importantly, it requires a (long-term) commitment.”
Alton said every person in the state has a role to play in preventing teen pregnancy.
“Everyone can play a part in investing in South Carolina’s young people,” he said.
The data offers people a chance to realize that a problem exists and make changes to correct it before it’s too late, Alton said.
“While it is disturbing, this data provides us an opportunity to really refocus our efforts,” he said. “It is a stark reminder that teen pregnancy is a really serious issue and that young people deserve our continued investment.”
Cayci Banks, director of communications for the campaign, said the entire state must pay close attention to the information in the report.
“This is an issue that is not relevant just to one part of South Carolina,” she said. “It is in the whole state. Adults can be more involved in our youth. It’s just important for us all to work together and recommit to our young people.”
Blaming the young people for the problem might only make things worse, Alton said.
“We need to stop blaming the youth and suggesting they are the problem,” he said. “Rather, we need to refocus on how we can be part of a solution.”
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