A Better Choice Women's Center has been established in the Central Connecticut area for the past twelve years. During that time we have had hundreds of young women who have come into the Center for free pregnancy tests. We have seen women from all walks of life, every socioeconomic level, and all educational backgrounds. We have witnessed the effects of pregnancy, abortion, parenting, adoption, and sexually transmitted infections on these young peoples lives. As we have followed some of these women over the years with the decisions they have made, it has become obvious to us that the sexual activity among our teens has brought with it some tragic results.
The obvious results are increased teen pregnancy, abortion, sexually transmitted infections, and single parenting. Other results that are not as obvious are loss of education, child abuse, lower self- esteem, lack of trust, decreased communication skills in relationships, decreased ability to establish commitment and the loss of family support. Overwhelming pressures, demands and responsibilities can evolve into a decreased ability to cope, sense of victimization and hopelessness.
Teen sexual activity effects not only the young adult but reaches to the family and the community. A strain is placed on the educational system, youth services, medical and health personnel, and the state and federal economic systems. But even more important is the change it causes in the lives of the young men and women themselves. They begin to believe that the only way to maintain a relationship is to be involved sexually causing untold confusion, anger and depression when a relationship does not continue.
With the concern of the young adults in our community in mind we have developed an abstinence-based program, which is appropriate for middle and high school age students. This program, A Better Choice includes videos, interactive activities, illustrations and discussion. Thought-provoking material allows the students to consider his/her sexual activity in a non-threatening way. It allows the students the opportunity to consider their sexual activity in light of their educational hopes, career goals, and future relationship dreams. This program can be adapted from forty-five minutes up to two hours in length. Although it can be presented to a larger audience, fifteen to twenty-five students are ideal because of the interactive activities that are used.
If you would like more information about this program, contact Donnita Young or call the center at (860) 704 - 0078.
