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Programs set to curb NMI teen pregnancy
The Commonwealth Health Center Corp. has programs set to curb teen pregnancy in the CNMI. This is under the Family Planning Program of the Maternal and Child Health Bureau.
Project coordinator Irene Barrineau revealed that the CNMI has a higher teen pregnancy rate than the national level citing data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Barrineau said based on what CDC had gathered that 24.2 percent of every 1,000 live births in 2014 are from mothers 15 to 19 years old. The CNMI has 41.3 percent.
“That’s why we have programs to help lessen teen pregnancy here in the CNMI. Teen pregnancy prevention education is also part of it. The Public School System has their own sex education program but we also help in providing information,” said Barrineau.
“We always keep track of this information since it is part of the report that we submit as a requirement to our federal grantors. We also offer free counseling for teen mothers,” added MCHB project coordinator Heather Pangelinan.
Barrineau said they also assist the PSS in providing information on the issue of teen pregnancy and what programs they offer. “We usually go out to different high schools providing information on our programs. We talk about abstinence or practice safe sex.”
She added that it may look awkward or weird but they also encourage parents to talk to their teenage sons or daughters. “They could also talk to us as long as they would come here with a trusted adult. Or if they could come here on their own so we could answer their questions.”
Barrineau said they accept all insurance, Medicaid, or private healthcare provider. “There are also income guidelines if they fall on the Federal poverty rate. Since most teenagers are uninsured, they can also not pay for the services.”
The family planning program has contraceptives not only intended for couples but also for teen moms to further prevent unwanted pregnancies.
Barrineau added that the CNMI also has a 66-percent rate for unplanned pregnancies compared to the 51 percent at the national level based on a separate report.
