Our
nation's teen pregnancies have declined over the last twenty years. However,
the incidents are still the highest in the developed world. Physicians and
experts are struggling to reduce the nation's high birthrate among adolescents,
and it looks like a possible solution to this issue has been brought up. On
December 2, 2012, an article called, "Doctors Urged to Prescribe Teens
Plan B Before They Have Sex" from the Los Angeles Times, Amina
Khan reported that The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends prescribing
emergency birth control pills to reduce teen pregnancies. Nearly eighty percent
of teen pregnancies are unintended and occur after unprotected sex.
Emergency birth control pills, like levonorgestral, can prevent teen pregnancy
if taken within three to five days. It stops the ovary from releasing eggs or
prevents the sperm from fertilizing an egg. They are sold under the brand names
Plan B and next Choice, and possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, and
diarrhea. There are no federal or state requirements that parents of teens need
to be notified when they purchase these drugs. They are most effective if used
twenty four hours after unprotected sex, and teens are ready to use them when
they are readily available, which is why its important to give them
prescriptions ahead of time. Dr. Jamie Lipeles, an OB-GYN Marina Del Rey
Hospital stated, "Given that teens aren't likely to visit gynecologists for advice,
pediatricians must be ready to provide as much information about contraception
options as possible" (Los Angeles Times). The doctor is correct on
her suggestion because not only will the doctors provide options, but will also
use the opportunity to educate the teens about abstinence.
