Report Roundup: Keeping the Faith: The Role of Religion and Faith Communities in Preventing Teen Pregnancy

With faith-based youth work getting more attention from Washington, it’s no surprise to find a new report examining the faith community’s role in combating teen pregnancy. Co-author Barbara Dafoe Whitehead says faith-based organizations play a significant role in teen pregnancy prevention because of their ability to instill morals and values, engage youth in activities with supportive adult networks, and at times directly address teen sexual behavior (through virginity pledges, for example).

The report relies on statistics from smaller studies between 1975 and 2001 that looked at the connection teens make between religion and sex. Co-author Brian Wilcox indicated at a press conference last month that these studies needed to be expanded upon.

Indeed, many of the studies provide contradictory or confusing information. A 1988 study that polled more than 8,000 teens showed that teens who attended church more frequently were more likely to delay their first sexual experience. Another study, polling 2,000 adolescents in 1998, showed that more religious adolescent males were more likely to have had intercourse recently than were their less religious counterparts. Interestingly, a 1992 study reported that males with greater religious affiliation were also more likely to use condoms.

In a survey called “Faithful Nation,” released last month with this report, the Campaign gauged the attitude of adults and teens about the importance of religious organizations in preventing teen pregnancy. While 73 percent of teens said churches and houses of worship should do more to help, only 6 percent regarded a minister, rabbi or religious leader as influential in decisions about sex.

The report and the survey were released in conjunction with another publication, “Snapshots,” an up-close look at faith-based efforts. The report is 84 pages. $10 ($5 additional for “Snapshots”). The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, 1776 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Ste. 200, Washington, DC 20036. (202) 478-8500. www.teenpregnancy.org.

Kelly, John. "Keeping the Faith: The Role of Religion and Faith Communities in Preventing Teen Pregnancy." Report Roundup. Youth Today, November 2001, p. 14.

©2000 Youth Today. Reprinted with permission from Youth Today. All rights reserved.