CDC Urges Better Birth Control Counseling for Teens

May 4, 2012

This week, the Centers for Disease Control published a study that links lower teen birth rates with increased use of "effective" contraception among sexually experienced young women. The study's authors note, "Teen pregnancy might be reduced further if health-care professionals provide culturally competent, evidence-based sexual and reproductive health counseling on the importance of correct and consistent use of contraception, and offer an array of contraceptive methods to teens who have had sex or are about to initiate sexual activity."

If you are a health care provider interested in birth control counseling or other aspects of adolescent reproductive health care, we encourage you to explore the recently released fourth edition of PRCH's Adolescent Reproductive and Sexual Health Education Project (ARSHEP) curriculum. This free, comprehensive, evidence-based program addresses 17 critical reproductive and sexual health topics, including teen pregnancy, adolescent sexuality, STD screening, and contraception. Download the individual PowerPoint modules or request a free CD-ROM of the entire curriculum.