Most in our community are aware that Anson County, like the rest of our country, is faced with many challenges.

Specifically, we have a high illiteracy (33 percent) and poverty rate (21.3 percent).

More strikingly, in 2007, Anson County was ranked the seventh highest county in the state for teenage pregnancies between the ages of 15- to 19-year-olds (N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, State Center for Health Statistics).

Also, in 2007, Anson County was ranked the number one county in the state for having the highest number of pregnancies among African-American teens (N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, State Center for Health Statistics).

Also, according to the Anson County Health Department, the white pregnancy rate last year was 43.6 per 1,000, while the African-American rate was 125.2 per 1,000 in our community.

In response to this issue, the Anson County Teen Pregnancy Council was formed and is currently working along with various sets of the community to devise ways to effectively communicate the consequences of irresponsible sex practices to our youth.

Along with all other proposed means of approaching this serious issue, we would like to have a Department of Public Instruction-approved comprehensive sex education program, which is more in depth, abstinence-based and scientifically accurate.

We propose it be taught in the seventh- and eighth-grade health classes at Anson Middle School, as well as the ninth-grade health classes at Anson High School, Anson New Tech School, Anson Early College and Anson Challenge Academy. If such a curriculum were to be taught in the schools, parents would have the option of whether or not their children participate.

Even though the school system is currently making students aware of contraceptives, the alarming statics above are a clear indication that we must do more as a community to assure that students have a clear understanding of the consequences of having irresponsible sex.

Together, this community can conquer this problem.

Our successful address to the issue of teenage pregnancy is vital to the success of our entire community.



Subrina Hough

The Anson County Teen Pregnancy Council