In Apr. 3-9 issue
By Kim Graham
Times Journal Reporter



There are as many as 25 teen-aged girls who are pregnant in Russell County public schools as these articles are published.

National statistics show that 31 percent of teens in the US become pregnant at least once before they reach the age of 20.

In surrounding counties, there are a total of 39 pregnant teens in public schools. In Adair County there are three pregnant teenagers, Casey County has 11 including four in middle school, and Wayne County also has 25 pregnant teens.

Reasons given for the number of teen pregnancies nationally include peer pressure to have sex, a lack of contraceptive use among sexually active teens, what is called unstable parental relationship with teens, and the prevalence of sexual content in television, movies and music.

One girl at RCHS has had one child and is expecting another just after she turns 17 years old.

Another RCHS student, who is also pregnant, said it is an accepted thing among her peers for a child to have a baby.

The youngest child we've been told is pregnant in the county at this time is 12 years old. The age of consent in Kentucky is 16.

To examine this, the Times Journal has embarked on a special project, a compilation of stories interviewing the young mothers and the people who follow this trend and attempt to provide services to the girls.

We have also attempted, as best we can, to bring the fathers of these babies into the discussion. Both parties are responsible for creating this life and in the eyes of the law, for caring for it.