The number of pregnancies in Puerto Rico is alarming. The census data from 2000 show that over 32% of the population of Puerto Rico are children and adolescents. 619.236 were counted (16.3%) adolescents between the ages of 10 to 19 years on the island for 2005 to 2006 is reported between 18 to 25% the rate of teenage pregnancies. In Puerto Rico this rate varies depending on the municipality. According to the Department of Health Division of Statistical Analysis for the year 2006 the five municipalities with the highest percentage were: Maunabo, Culebra, Ciales, Vieques and Cataño.
Several social problems and public health as the high school dropout, unplanned pregnancies, abortions, infant mortality, low birth weight, suicide, sexually transmitted diseases and late arrival to prenatal care, among others, would be reduced by preventing pregnancies in this young population. The biggest problem is that pregnancies in Puerto Rico is higher in adolescents, but the poor sex education in schools, which is not the cartoons teach private parts of men and women but lead them to learn to respect your body , to prevent disease, avoid pregnancy, or wear a prophylactic. Many teens do not have the slightest idea what to do when they fall pregnant and a large number of them seeking abortions.
We cannot stay with our arms crossed watching every day how increases the number of pregnancies. We the young and adult are the fundamental part of Puerto Rico and we have this situation in our hands and has to have a stop.
