* HHS programs are built on the belief that the most effective programs are community-driven and support the involvement of parents and other adults in young people's lives. By focusing on abstinence and personal responsibility, HHS hopes to help young people develop their abilities to make the choices that will lead to a successful future.

* The department's major teen pregnancy prevention initiatives promote the postponement of sexual activity as the most effective way for adolescents to prevent teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection. Boys and young men are encouraged to prevent premature fatherhood through such programs as the abstinence education programs, the Adolescent Family Life program, the adolescent male family planning initiative, and the Partners for Fragile Families demonstration program.

* HHS agencies provide education, health and social services to runaway and homeless youth, as well as those at risk of substance abuse or in need of substance abuse treatment. Studies show that teens engaged in these risky behaviors are at higher risk for fathering or bearing children. These programs can help reduce teen pregnancies directly through prevention education or indirectly by addressing underlying health and social issues that increase the risks of unintended pregnancy.

* In the instance that one does not choose abstinence as a prevention method, here are eleven steps that may help prevent teen pregnancy:

Eleven Steps To Prevention:

1. Thinking "it won't happen to me" is stupid; if you don't protect yourself, it probably will. Sex is serious. Make a plan.

2. Just because you think "everyone is doing it," doesn't mean they are. Some are, some aren't - and some are lying.

3. There are a lot of good reasons to say "no, not yet." Protecting your feelings is one of them.

4. You're in charge of your own life. Don't let anyone pressure you into having sex.

5. You can always say "no" - even if you've said "yes" before.

6. Carrying a condom is just being smart - it doesn't mean you're pushy or easy.

7. If you think birth control "ruins the mood," consider what a pregnancy test will do to it.

8. If you're drunk or high, you can't make good decisions about sex.

9. Don't do something you might not remember or might really regret.

10. Sex won't make him yours, and a baby won't make him stay.

11. Not ready to be someone's father? It's simple: Use protection every time or don't have sex.

Here are some other links where you can find more info on prevention methods:

[Adolescent Prevention] [OPA Program] [Adolescent Abstinence]

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