| Updated: 2/09 10:34 am |
Published: 2/08 8:55 pm
|
Teen moms are getting younger and a recent study suggests Oklahoma’s political backdrop has something to do with it.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis conducted the survey. Their findings show red states, which tend to lean more toward conservative republican values, have higher teen birth-rates.
Every year, a series of poor decisions brings girls to Margaret Hudson. The school gives girls a chance to continue their education. Their kids are usually cared for in the same building.
"I thought it was cool I guess- just to do it," said 17-year-old Myla Garris.
Garris and her classmates are stuck between two worlds: childhood, and adulthood.
Elda Ledzma was only in the eighth-grade the first time.
"I was like, I don't think I’ll get pregnant," said Ledzma.
Two years later, it happened again.
"One in 20 pregnant girls will become pregnant again,” said Margaret Hudson Executive Director Felecia Jackson.
Jackson said girls are getting younger.
"Abstinence only, it's not going to work," said Jackson.
Jackson said Oklahoma ranks fifth in the country for teen pregnancy.
"Everything stops; it’s not about you it’s about your baby," said Garris.
Another bit of information that concerns Jackson: Oklahoma is a red state. According to researchers at Washington University it suggests the religious backdrop increases chances of teen pregnancy.
Graeme Collet's message is pretty similar to most religious based sex-education. His latest series is called "No Petting."
He said it pushes God's word. "God has ordained sex for marriage," said Collet. “We had kids showing up that we'd never seen before."
The difference, he says is he's telling them why sex is intended for marriage rather than just telling them to abstain.
