Teen Pregnancies Down in Midvale

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Three years ago, Midvale City had some of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the Utah. Today Mayor JoAnn Seghini says the city's prevention efforts have paid off.

"Our attempts to reduce those rates were to reach out to teens, educate them about the problems of early parenthood and give them ideas of things to do on a date without being victimized or sexually active," says Seghini.

Seghini says Midvale has cut its teen pregnancy rates in half - particularly among 10 to 14 year old girls. A committee of teens helps guide program, which relies heavily on The Boys and Girls Club to offer education and recreation options. The city's pregnancy prevention efforts are restricted to abstinence-only messages, because much of the education takes place in public schools and forums. To reduce pregnancy among youth who choose to be sexually active, Seghini says the city tries to reach parents through church and community groups.

Federal funding cuts are jeopardizing Midvale's teen pregnancy prevention program. This week, Mayor Seghini received a commitment from the Salt Lake County Council for $90,000 to bridge the gap. Midvale will hold a teen conference and activity day on June 16, including free sports, dance instruction and food.

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