5/7/2009
(Washington, DC) - President Obama's budget for FY 2010 that was released today proposes a total of $164 million for a new teen pregnancy prevention initiative. This includes competitive grants for evidence-based programs, research and evaluation, and an authorization for $50 million in new mandatory teen pregnancy prevention grants to states, tribes, and territories.
The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, a nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC, released the following statement regarding the President's teen pregnancy prevention proposal:
"Regarding teen pregnancy, President Obama's budget is just right - it emphasizes good science, encourages research and innovation, and increases the overall investment in teen pregnancy prevention," said Sarah Brown, CEO of The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy.
"During an economic downturn and at a time when the teen birth rate is on the rise after 14 straight years of decline, it is particularly important that public dollars be devoted to those interventions that have evidence of success. The President's budget does just that.
We also appreciate that 25% of what the President proposes in his budget is devoted to carefully testing innovative approaches to preventing teen pregnancy. If we are to make continued progress in preventing teen pregnancy and childbearing, it is clear that we will need fresh new approaches that, for example, help underserved populations and that employ new technology to reach young people. This will continue to expand the roster of effective approaches that states, tribes, and communities can use to prevent too-early pregnancy and parenthood."
About The National Campaign. The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy is a nonprofit, nonpartisan initiative supported almost entirely by private donations. Our mission is to promote values, behavior, and policies that reduce both teen pregnancy and unplanned pregnancy among young adults. By increasing the proportion of children born into welcoming, intact families who are prepared to take on the demanding task of raising the next generation, our efforts will improve the well-being of children and strengthen the nation.
Please visit www.TheNationalCampaign.org to find out more.
