SCV Pregnancy Center officials are talking about the national rise in teen pregnancy in the U.S., and how they’re helping teens in the Santa Clarita community.

“We’re seeing a rise in general in teen pregnancy,” said Angela Bennett, president/CEO of the SCV Pregnancy Center. “California is the 20th in the nation in terms of teen birth rates. We’re not No. 1, which is a good thing, but we’re 20th, so it’s still fairly high.”

Bennett noted that in recent years, sexual activity among younger teens has increased, which can lead to unplanned pregnancies due to lack of knowledge about birth control.

Related: SCV Pregnancy Center Set To Expand Teen Parenting Program At New Facility

“Usually when they’re younger, it’s more experimental,” Bennett explained. “They don’t realize what the best means of avoiding risk for pregnancy and STDs are.”

To help combat this issue, the SCV Pregnancy Center offers a sexual health and risk education program to public schools and groups in Santa Clarita, along with services for minors that can be obtained without parental involvement, according to Bennett.

Bennett recommends teens who suspect they are pregnant or had a positive pregnancy test result come into the SCV Pregnancy Center to confirm the pregnancy before making any decisions.

“They need to make sure that they are actually, in fact, pregnant. That’s where we come in,’ Bennett said. “We provide the pregnancy test. If it is a positive test, then the doctor orders an ultrasound.”

“We take a look to make sure that the pregnancy is in the uterus, doing what it’s supposed to do, that it’s growing according to the appropriate rate and that there’s ultimately a heartbeat,” Bennett continued. “If not, then there may be a potential miscarriage, or there may be something else going on. But that’s not the time to make a decision about a pregnancy outcome or to go out and tell everyone that they are pregnant.”

By utilizing an ultrasound for confirmation of a pregnancy, Bennett explained that teens can get “solid” medical evidence before making any final decisions.

“What we want to do is, we want to give them good, solid medical evidence of a pregnancy. We want to talk about sexual health and educate them on risks and how to avoid those risks,” she said. “We want to be able to give them some good options counseling, where they can weigh out the pros and cons about their sexual activity and their decision making regarding a pregnancy.”

The SCV Pregnancy Center is dedicated to providing relevant medical services in a professional, caring atmosphere to anyone facing unplanned pregnancy and sexual health decisions. The Santa Clarita pregnancy center’s leading healthcare team is committed to service, education and quality care while serving the needs of the community. If you’re looking for pregnancy diagnostics, STD testing in Santa Clarita, or wondering what to do if you’re pregnant, the SCV Pregnancy Center can help. Same-day appointments are available for pregnancy testing, pregnancy confirmations, STI testing and treatment and consultations.

SCV Pregnancy Center

25174 Rye Canyon Rd

Santa Clarita, CA 91355

661-255-0082

SCV Pregnancy Center, Santa Clarita

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOy60TaDBbU

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