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Birth Control

Teenage pregnancy, sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs) and AIDS: It's more critical than ever that teen-agers are given the information they need to make educated and responsible decisions. Abstinence still is the best way to protect against HIV/AIDS, STDs and pregnancy (although teens must understand that penetration doesn't have to occur for pregnancy or STDs to occur).

Nevertheless, if an adolescent is sexually active, Safer Child feels it's critical that parents and pediatricians also encourage the understanding and proper use of contraceptive devices.

Does there seem to be a conflict between teaching abstinence and teaching about birth control? One way to resolve the conflict is to say, "You aren't old enough to engage in sexual intimacy now. But when the time does come, these are the ways to keep yourself safe and healthy..."

	The U.S. Food and Drug Administration - 1997 report on various forms of birth control and their efficacy and possible harmful side effects
	The American Academy of Pediatrics - policy on contraception and adolescents
	Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS) - a page for your teen about sexuality
	The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information - links to various publications for teens
	Planned Parenthood
	Alan Guttmacher Institute - affiliate of Planned Parenthood. Research and information on family planning (domestic U.S. and international), contraception, sexual health, sexually transmitted diseases, abortion, and related topics.
	Safer Child Questions for a Teen to Ask Before Having Consensual Sex

Safer Child Ways to Resist Dating Pressure

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Safer Child, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization with federal tax-exempt status. Please note: 1) External organizations listed herein do not necessarily endorse Safer Child positions, nor do we necessarily endorse theirs. We list them as a courtesy and aren't responsible for their accuracy, completeness or content. 2) We recommend you maintain a healthy skepticism when reviewing information on the Internet; it might appear to be reliable -- yet actually be false, misleading, incomplete, out-of-date and/or intentionally harmful. 3) There might be material on the Internet that you disagree with or find objectionable; preview all sites before viewing them with your child. 4) We are not responsible for external addresses/phone numbers changing without our knowledge. 5) The information and commentary on this site are not substitutes for professional advice from your doctor, lawyer, or mental health professional. 6) Requests for permission to republish, copy and/or distribute any material found on this Web site should be directed to Safer Child, Inc.

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