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Although the numbers have declined in recent years, the percentage of teenage pregnancies in Chesterfield County still remains more than twice the national average, prompting Chesterfield County Council’s proclamation that May shall be Teen Pregnancy Prevention Awareness Month.

According to statistics provided by the Chesterfield County Coordinating Council (CCCC), teen birth rates declined by 15 percent as recently as 2010. Yet, in that same year, 94 Chesterfield County girls, ages 15-19, gave birth.

Margaret Plettinger Mitchell, director for the Chesterfield County Coordinating Council, read the proclamation before council earlier this month which reads in part: “The progress in teen birth rate reductions that saved South Carolina taxpayers an estimated $127 million in 2008 alone should not suggest decreases in investment and commitment to this issue.”

Pregnancy, however, is not the only issue Chesterfield County’s teenagers are facing. According to Mitchell, the following statistics were derived specifically from Chesterfield County. These are not national statistics, this is what’s happening here, said Mitchell:

• More than 75 percent of teenage girls reported knowing a girl victim of dating violence.

• More than 53 percent of teenage girls reported knowing a girl victim of family violence.

• About 71 percent of teenage girls reported they knew a male perpetrator.

A Youth Risk Survey of Chesterfield County taken in 2007-08, produced these statistics regarding local teens:

• 1.3 percent of teenagers in Chesterfield County have been arrested.

• 5.1 percent say they have had forced sex.

• 10.8 percent have admitted to illicit drug use.

• 18.8 percent use tobacco.

• 36.8 percent have admitted to using alcohol.

The sexual behaviors of Chesterfield County’s teenagers have also been studied. Statistics gathered from 1,241 students in grades 9 through 12 in 2007, show that more than 6 percent of the girls had experienced sexual intercourse before the age of 13. Slightly more than 12 percent of teenage boys reported having intercourse before the age of 13.

These same students reported that nearly 15 percent of teenage girls have had sexual relations with four or more partners, compared with almost 25 percent of the boys.

Of the 37 percent of teenage girls in Chesterfield County who claim to be sexually active, 53 percent say they use a condom and 20 percent say they take birth control pills.

Mitchell said she is encouraged by Chesterfield County Council’s support of the South Carolina Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy and the Coordinating Council. “Our mission,” said Mitchell, “is to work together in changing community attitudes and providing support, assistance, and guidance needed to prevent risky behaviors among all youth in Chesterfield County.”

A pamphlet produced by the S.C. Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy juxtaposes common parental responses about the sexual habits of teenagers with what they call the “real deal.”

For example, parents say: I don’t need to worry - all of my children are boys. The Real Deal: Four in 10 teen boys agree that getting someone pregnant makes you feel like a man.

Another example, parents say: Talking about both abstinence and birth control gives a mixed message. The Real Deal: Programs that teach both abstinence and birth control methods delay when a teen has sex for the first time. Teaching birth control does not lead to teens having sex, according to the organization.

The S.C. Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy is a non-profit organization “dedicated to the prevention of adolescent pregnancy in South Carolina through education, technical assistance, public awareness, advocacy and research.” Belief statements issued by the group maintain that “communities play a key role in reducing adolescent pregnancy.” The campaign also advocates “the prevention of adolescent pregnancies will improve the health and economic prosperity of South Carolina.”

For more information, contact the CCCC at 623-5274 or visit campaign@teenpregnancysc.org.

— Staff Writer Karen Kissiah can be reached by calling 843-537-5261, ext. 224, or by email at kkissiah@heartlandpublications.com.