Society for the Preservation of Human Dignity, PHD and Township High School District 214 in Illinois Introduce New Program for Pregnant Teens

The teen birth rate for all age groups and all racial/ethnic groups are at historic lows. According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy (www.thenationalcampaign.org), “the teen birth rate of girls age 15-19 declined 52% between 1991 and 2012. Between 2007 and 2012 alone, the teen birth rate dropped by 29%.”

Even so, the teen birth rate in America is still three times higher than every other developed country (“Teen Pregnancy Declines, But U.S. Still Lags”, www.npr.org). Babies born in the U.S. to teenage mothers are at risk for long-term problems in many major areas of life, including school failure, poverty, and physical or mental illness. The teenage mothers themselves are also at risk for these problems.

Adolescents who become pregnant may not seek proper medical care during their pregnancy, leading to an increased risk for medical complications. Pregnant teenagers require special understanding, medical care, and education--particularly about relationships, nutrition, sexually transmitted infections, substance abuse, and complications of pregnancy.

Society for the Preservation of Human Dignity, PHD in partnership with Township High School District 214 in Illinois created a new Teen Parenting program. Since September pregnant and parenting teens have been coming to PHD for prenatal and parenting classes. The girls learn about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), Shaken Baby Syndrome, self-care, postpartum depression, breastfeeding, and positive discipline.

"We are very excited about this partnership," said Catherine E. Vincus, Executive Director at PHD. "Pregnant teens are such a fragile group and at risk population. It's very important to reach out to them early in their pregnancy. The program covers a different topic each week. The nurse teaches the girls about labor and delivery. She also does weigh in and checks the fetal heartbeat. PHD counseling staff provides professional counseling to help the girls overcome some of the obstacles they may face during their pregnancy,” added Vincus.

In addition to the educational and counseling services the pregnant teens receive, they can also take advantage of the PHD Baby and Maternity Closet and receive layettes for their babies.

“This program fits in nicely with PHD's mission to provide opportunities for the hope and growth through professional counseling, education and integrated support services to meet the unique practical and emotional needs of each individual," said Vincus.

About Society for the Preservation of Human Dignity, PHD

Society for the Preservation of Human Dignity, PHD offers professional counseling and support services to women who are pregnant or parenting a child under three; those who experience grief and loss due to miscarriage, infant death, post abortion or post adoption issues, and women suffering from postpartum depression. PHD’s Motivate Prevention Programs exist to enrich lives through education on topics of healthy sexuality, relationships, anti bullying, and positive parenting. For more information on PHD’s programs and services visit www.sphd.org or call 847-359-4919.