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HARMAN ANNOUNCES NEW LEGISLATION TO PREVENT TEEN PREGNANCY

--Stresses need to support comprehensive sexuality education programs--

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SAN PEDRO, February 19 - U.S. Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-Redondo Beach) today highlighted the high incidence of teen pregnancy in California. At an event at the YWCA of the Harbor Area, Harman spoke out for increased funding for prevention programs that work.

Congresswoman Harman speaks to teens at the Harbor Area YWCA.

Harman has introduced legislation with Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco), House Democratic Whip, to provide $20 million for programs that have proven to lower teen pregnancy rates.

"The good news is, we know what works in preventing teen pregnancy," said Harman. "The bad news is, the administration isn't funding these programs."

Every year in the United States, one million young women under the age of 20 become pregnant, at a cost of more than $7 million annually. While teen pregnancy rates have been on the decline, California has the second highest teen pregnancy rate in the country.

Over the past decade, research shows a wide variety of teen pregnancy prevention programs work. These programs vary in approach, but all go beyond "abstinence only".

"Beginning with the passage of welfare reform legislation in 1997, the Republican leadership in Congress has refused to fund anything other than "abstinence-only" education programs. Teens also need information on contraception," stated Harman.

"The idea behind our legislation is straightforward: fund programs that work," said Harman.

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December 20, 2001 - Speech introducing teen pregnancy legislation.