Saturday 19 May 2007

Study: Canadian Teen Pregnancy Rates Down, Sexually Transmitted Infections Rates Up


Toronto, ON (AHN) - Canada's teenage pregnancy rate is at all-time low and teen abortions rates have also dropped according to a study. The research shows that the teen pregnancy rate in Canada fell about 40 percent between 1974 and 2003.

Alex McKay, research coordinator at the Sex Information and Education Council of Canada attributed the lower pregnancy rate to birth control, "it's due to greater contraceptive use, not teens having less sex."

In fact, while teen pregnancy rates are down, sexually transmitted infections rates are up. He said that the birth control pill is being used as a primary form of contraception and it does not prevent against sexually transmitted infections.
McKay wants teenagers and young adults to know that preventing infections is just as important as preventing pregnancy.

"One of the things we clearly need to do in this country is promote greater consistent condom use among all young people."


No comments: