One prevention strategy that is used frequently in order to reduce
teen pregnancy is access to contraception and education. Living in a
small Massachusetts town there is not much that our local health
departments offer for things such as contraception. The
Massachusetts Department of Public Health website has some really
great resources and can point a person in the right direction. They
have what's called the Sexual and Reproductive Health Program
(SRHP) which promotes healthy relationships, preventing STD's and
unintended pregnancies, as well as trying to reduce infant mortality
and morbidity. (
Sexual and reproductive health program ((SRHP))
2022). One of the first things you see on the website is something
called the ACCESS Law, which is something I did not even know
existed here in Massachusetts! The ACCESS Law is where a
Massachusetts resident can get a years supply of birth control just
from one trip to the pharmacy, as well as emergency contraception
(like Plan B and Ella) at no cost. (
Access law
2022) The Department of
Public Health also has a list of places where you can receive sexual
and reproductive health. Another resource that is offered is the
Massachusetts Pregnant and Parenting Teen Initiative (MPPTI).
MPPTI "aims to increase life opportunities and enhance family
stability among young families in the priority communities of Chelsea,
Holyoke, Lawrence, New Bedford, and Springfield. Program
participants receive services tailored to their individual needs,
including health and social service assessments, case management,
counseling, health education, referrals, and infant/children services."
(
About Massachusetts pregnant and parenting teen initiative
((MPPTI)) 2022)
Overall, I believe Massachusetts does a fantastic job on providing
resources, such as contraceptives, and education on teen pregnancy.
They offer low cost/free contraception, lists of clinics are providers in
your specific area, and comprehensive sexual education.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
About Massachusetts pregnant and parenting teen initiative (MPPTI)
.
Mass.gov. (n.d.). Retrieved September 13, 2022, from
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/about-massachusetts-
pregnant-and-parenting-teen-initiative-mppti
