
Teenage pregnancy is an important public health issue that effects our entire population being associated with negative consequences for teen parents, their children, families and communities. There are multiple risk factors for teen mothers and their babies including:
In addition, teen mothers are more socially isolated than other teenagers, are more prone to mental health issues including postpartum depression and have fewer educational and employment opportunities due to the difficulty in balancing responsibilities of being a student and a parent. |
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TPP is a project administered by adolescent health. Grantees not only engage in pregnancy prevention with teens, but also public health messaging that supports sexual risk avoidance and risk reduction strategies. In addition, there are school and community based social opportunities and positive youth development activities, helping teens develop the social and emotional skills necessary to be resilient and successful adults.
New Jersey is ranked 4 out of 50 in teen birth rate and 18 out of 50 in the teen pregnancy rate, however NJ ranks 5 out of 50 in the decline of the teen birth rate which means although declining, that decline is slower than other states. (1 is the lowest and 50 is the highest).