Certificate of Recognition from the New Mexico Teen Pregnancy Coalition for being “on target” for meeting New Mexico’s Challenge 2005: To reduce teen births in New Mexico by 20% by 2005. During the first three years of the Challenge 2005, Taos County has reduced its teen birth rate
by 11.9%.

THE NEED
• New Mexico has the third highest occurrence of adolescent pregnancy of all states in the US
• 80% of all teen mothers in this country live in poverty
• Over 75% of NM teens did not intend to get pregnant
• Sons of teen mothers are three times more likely to become incarcerated than children of older moms, and by age 24, a full 30% of children born to teen mothers are neither in school, working, nor actively seeking employment

THE SOLUTION
• Adolescent pregnancy rates can be reduced through sustained community-wide efforts that involve youth and families, proven interventions and advocac
• With guidance and motivation, young girls will develop their self esteem and personal potential
• Students appreciate the approach: “I liked the class. It made me more aware of what could happen.”
• Teachers appreciate the curriculum: “Education is the first step in prevention. It should start in middle school, because kids are getting younger and younger when they start experimenting with sexual behaviors.”