“Our work creates opportunities for young people to get informed, take control, and advocate for themselves—and protect the amazing life opportunities that lie ahead”

Adolescent pregnancy and parenthood are associated with social, health and financial costs to teen parents, families and states. A teen birth can disrupt young people’s educational and career goals, affecting earning potential and future family finances. Only about half of teen mothers earn a high school diploma by age 22, compared to 90 percent of women without a teen birth. Teenage mothers are also more likely to live in poverty and depend on public assistance. Children born to teen parents are more likely to have lower school achievement, enter the child welfare and correctional systems, drop out of high school and become teen parents themselves, compared to children born to older parents.

There have been impressive declines in the number of teen birth rates in the U.S, Texas, and Amarillo, but teen pregnancy continues to be a widespread issue. At FSS, we provide trusted, high-quality, accurate information and programs—backed by research—on sexual health and contraceptive methods so young people can make informed decisions.