I only have one partner. We love each other, so we agreed to have sex. We plan to get married after high school. We don't have access to any birth control other than withdrawal. We cannot purchase them, otherwise we would.
Abstinence is the only perfect way to avoid unintended pregnancy.
But where teen pregnancy has been reduced, experts cite both reduced sexual activity and increased use of contraceptives as reasons. Although most Oregon communities do have public health services for sexually active kids, local clinics often can't fully meet the need for information, outreach and subsidized services. So the Department of Human Resources' Health Division and Office of Medical Assistance Programs have proposed the Family Planning Expansion Project. Because of its approach to income guidelines, the project requires a waiver of some federal Medicaid regulations. Officials are awaiting federal permission for start-up, and all the signs point to approval, says Jeanne Atkins, Health Division family planning manager.