NARAL Pro-Choice America Applauds Commonsense Menendez Bill to Prevent Teen Pregnancy

Washington, DC- NARAL Pro-Choice America today reiterated its support for legislation re-introduced by Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) that includes a series of commonsense proposals to help prevent teen pregnancy and protect the health and well-being of young people. As a House member, Menendez introduced similar legislation last year.

Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, urged Congress to take a monumental step towards preventing teen pregnancy by passing the Comprehensive Teen Pregnancy Prevention Act.

"Sen. Menendez has again shown his steadfast leadership in addressing this important issue by introducing such a constructive proposal. As a former teacher and state superintendent of education, I have seen first hand how important it is that young people receive honest, medically accurate information," Keenan said. "The Menendez bill is a commonsense, common-ground approach that empowers families and parents. "

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

"The United States has the highest rate of teen pregnancy in the Western industrialized world. It is simply inexcusable that anti-choice congressional leaders aren't doing more to address this urgent problem. If they are truly serious about tackling the problem of teen pregnancy, passing Sen. Menendez's bill is the perfect place to start," Keenan said.

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 children 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