Ask questions: a prevention method against teen pregnancy
by JILL SCHMELZER Reporter
In today's world, it is rare to turn on the television, open

Marsha Marecki, a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner at Planned Parenthood on Main Street took the vital signs of a female patient. Marecki of Lancaster teaches at the University at Buffalo and has her doctorate degree. Photos by John Rusac

a magazine or flip through a newspaper without seeing, reading or hearing about sex.

Children get exposed to terminology, slang and sexual references at young ages. Popular television shows such as "The O.C.," "The Real World," "Gilmore Girls" and "One Tree Hill" have captivated the minds of many preteens and young adults.

Laura Meyers, who will be chief executive officer of Planned Parenthood of Buffalo and Erie County in September, suggested using these references as a conversation starter.

"Talk about sex," said Meyers who is an Amherst resident. "Use this as an opportunity to interject values into the conversation."

Most parents want their children to have sex education in school, at least regarding anatomy, contraceptives and disease prevention. However, it is at home that decision-making and expectations should be discussed, Meyers said.

Laura Meyers, PhD

According to a Planned Parenthood pamphlet, one myth is that children and teens today are well informed about sexuality. However, much of what young people learn about sex is misinformation from friends and the media.

Although schools offer sex education, open communication should be available between the child and the adult, according to Planned Parenthood. Parents should ask their child what sorts of things were discussed in the classroom, what questions were generated from their peers and encourage them to come to the parents with questions and concerns.

Meyers acknowledged that sex can be an uncomfortable subject to approach, but that is why parents should address the issue on several occasions.

Parents have resources that can help them feel more confident about engaging in this conversation with their child - visit www.teenwire.com or www. plannedparenthood. org.

"Any positive stimulus is a positive thing," Meyers said, noting that it is a myth that young people don't listen to their parents. She said they want to make their parents proud.

Parental supervision can prevent teens from engaging in risky behavior, said Meyers, who was most recently vice president of Every Person Influences Children, a national program that exists in Buffalo.

Meyers suggested that parents know where their child is, what he or she is doing and with whom. Children need to know the boundaries, added Meyers, who has her doctorate in education from the University at Buffalo.

Research shows that 80 percent of high school seniors have engaged in some sort of sexual behavior. The "just say no" policy does not work, she said, noting that sex education provides children with the tools needed to make better decisions.

A census was taken during 2000-02 regarding teen pregnancy rates per 1,000 for youths ages 15 to 19. In East Amherst, the rate was 9.6; in Williamsville it was 16.6; Getzville's rate was 18.6 and the Sweet Home area had a rate of 39.6.

Each year, students in the Town of Amherst schools are surveyed. In the 2005-06 school year 1,530 males and 1,775 females were polled, ranging from grades 8 through 12.

The report showed that 69 percent of students believed they had family support, and 27 percent said they have positive family communication. Of the 3,318 students polled, 32 percent thought they had good planning and decision-making skills.

But 16 percent said they had engaged in sexual intercourse three or more times - 3 percent were in eighth grade, 14 percent were in 10th grade and 33 percent were in 12th grade. Students who had sexual intercourse more than one time averaged 22 percent.

Teenagers may not understand what it is to be in a "relationship." Talk to them about it and give them tips on how to evaluate the situation, Meyers said.

There are emotional consequences youths may not think about before engaging in these risk behaviors. Having sexual intercourse increases their chances of pregnancy and disease, said Meyers, adding that parents shouldn't be afraid to talk about homosexuality and transgender issues.

If a teenager comes to Planned Parenthood for advice or help, the first thing he or she is asked is if there is an adult that can be involved in their decision-making process. In fact, 65 percent of young people 15 to 19, involve an adult before making their final decision on whether to become sexually active.

"Coming to Planned Parenthood is a responsible choice," Meyers added, noting it is important to set up an appointment before there is a crisis. Some sexually transmitted infections have no cure, so it is important to have the tools to make responsible decisions.

Planned Parenthood provides youths with accurate medical information. If an unintended pregnancy occurs, the organization provides the woman with information for her to make the best decision based on her own life and values, whether that be adoption, raising the baby or termination.

"We stay as agenda-free as we possibly can," said Amy White, Planned Parenthood's director of communications.

Minors have a right to their confidentiality, according to New York State law. Meaning when a youth seeks medical assistance from the facility, generally the medical records are not disclosed to anyone - including parents - without the patient's consent.

An increased number of males have requested services from the center, including cancer and screenings for sexually transmitted diseases.

The agency has worked with Amherst schools in the past to educate students on these issues.

"We want to be there for the Amherst residents," said Meyers.

Planned Parenthood does not turn anyone away. It accepts private insurance, as well as student insurance, and the organization has a Family Planning Benefit Program for those not wanting to use their parent's insurance. All services offered are at a discounted rate, White noted.

When a person comes in for an exam, the nurse practitioners will spend time with the patient and explain what is going on with the individual's body, Meyers said. Ongoing tours are offered if people want to visit Planned Parenthood.

There are centers located at 2697 Main St., Buffalo; 38 Heritage Court, Lockport; and 240 Center Road, West Seneca, among other locations. Call 1-800-230-PLAN.

Editors Note: Meyers is also on the Amherst Central School District Board.