NARAL Pro-Choice America Endorses New, Common-Sense Menendez Bill to Prevent Teen Pregnancy

Washington, DC- NARAL Pro-Choice America today announced its support for new legislation introduced by Rep. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) that includes a series of common-sense proposals that would help prevent teen pregnancy and protect the health and well-being of young people.

Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, urged Congress to pass the Comprehensive Teen Pregnancy Prevention Act. "We applaud Rep. Menendez's leadership in addressing this important issue with such a constructive proposal. As a former teacher and state superintendent of education, I know from experience that young people need honest, medically accurate information," Keenan said. "They also need programs that keep them on track to success, and their parents need help talking to their kids about tough topics like sex. The Menendez bill is a common-sense, common-ground approach that empowers families and parents. "

Keenan said the Menendez bill gave Congress an opportunity to proactively address America's challenge of high teen pregnancy rates.

"If congressional leaders are serious about tackling the problem of teen pregnancy, as they claim to be, passing Rep. Menendez's bill is a good place to start. It's inexcusable that the United States has the highest rate of teen pregnancy in the Western industrialized world," Keenan said. "It's a national disgrace that anti-choice congressional leaders aren't doing more to address this urgent problem."

The Menendez bill would create a new teen pregnancy prevention grant program for local educational agencies, state and local health agencies, and non-profit private entities. The initiatives would include efforts to encourage teens to delay sexual activity and help parents communicate with their kids about sex . In addition, the proposal would increase funding for essential after-school programs and establish a five-year demonstration project for schools, non-profits, faith-based and community organizations to foster creative new programs to supplement existing teen pregnancy prevention programs.

Contact:
Ted Miller, 202.973.3032