A study released on Tuesday reported that teen pregnancy is on the rise for the first time in a decade. Even worse, that news comes on the heels of a study that found one in four teenage girls has a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
How is this happening? Some people say sex education isn't going far enough, while others say all this sex talk is practically giving our kids permission to do it. Do we focus on teaching kids about safe sex or should we encourage abstinence?
There is a lot of talk about it on the iVillage message boards.
"I think abstinence during teen years is definitely a good thing to teach, but not preach."
-- adamsmumma
"Fact is, most teens are too irresponsible, immature and emotionally unevolved to well and truly handle all of the consequences surrounding sexual relationships, up to and including pregnancy. With that in mind, I think there's nothing wrong with encouraging abstinence. It IS the best way and only full proof way to avoid unwanted pregnancies, STDs, gossip and social stigma surrounding early sexuality."
-- chaoticchemistry
"Seems to me that another factor in the teen pregnancy rate is the bombardment of our children with the message that they need to be sexually desirable in the media. Starts early and doesn't seem to let up."
-- jabberwocka
"Even having a marriage certificate doesn't make you ready for a baby," warned one teen mom. Read what else she has to say.
What do you think? How can we reverse teen pregnancy and STD rates?
Haiti lies in ruins after Tuesday's devastating earthquake. American relief organizations are already on the ground and beginning to deliver desperately needed food, water, shelter, and medical aid. Most are asking for cash donations, rather than food or clothing. Some also need volunteers with relief or medical expertise.
(photo Juan Barreto/Getty Images)
Here's how you can help:
Consider a relief organization with existing operations in Haiti. They include Save the Children, Care USA, and Plan USA, all of which focus on helping children and families.
Donate to Doctors Without Borders, now mobilizing its volunteer medical teams. Call 1-888-392-0392 or send a donation to Doctors Without Borders USA, PO Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
For a list of more organizations active in Haiti, go to msnbc's "Haiti Earthquake: How to Help."
For information on the unfolding situation, visit the White House home page or the U.S. Department of State's Haiti Advisory page. For help locating U.S. citizens in Haiti, call the Department of State at 888-407-4747.
--Jessica Snyder Sachs
Senator Joe Lieberman continues to oppose a health care bill that has a Medicare buy-in. Dr. Nancy Snyderman reports on what this may mean for Senator Majority Leader Harry Reid.
What do you think? Leave a comment on the dr. Nancy board. You can watch "dr. Nancy" on MSNBC weekdays at noon ET.<
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