Teen Birth Rates Higher in States Where Religion Is Widespread

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I am not sure what time period you are living in right now. Sex is not taught as a sin, but as something that should be saved for a husband and a wife.
The probable reason why birth rates are higher is because abortion is highly frowned upon as murder of children.

ajaxx of ID 11:05AM September 18, 2009

I love how it had to be researched to prove that abstinence only sex ed doesn't work, condoms do.

Mary of MD 2:18AM September 18, 2009

The problem is that overly religious communities shun even conversations about sex. Religious parents stupidly think that teaching abstinance will prevent teenagers from having sex. I've seen it many times...the daughter asks for birth control r is afraid to ask for birth control...the parents think that if they approve of it that they are condoning sex....they wont let her get it and BAM she's pregnant at 17. Noone has that much control over another person to dictate what they can and cant do. Better to be safe than sorry..teach your kids right, but dont expect that they'll be perfect angels. Listen and ask questions and dont make them feel 'dirty' for discovering thier sexuality..it's natural. Precautionary birth control is the way to go if your teen is considering or having sex.

JackieinCali of CA 2:01AM September 18, 2009

Sex education and contraceptives (Science/fact based) or sex and pray you don't get pregnant (faith-based). For religious whackos, it's all about the sex. And their children pay the price for their false belief that sex is a sin and a bad thing.

thebob.bob of AL 2:19PM September 17, 2009

For religiosity, Strayhorn and report co-author Jillian C. Strayhorn averaged the percentage of respondents who agreed with conservative responses to eight statements, including: ''There is only one way to interpret the teachings of my religion," and ''Scripture should be taken literally, word for word."
I hope those in those states are willing to pay for the upbringing of children born under such stupud thinking.

CA Simpson of GA 11:19AM September 17, 2009