A study titled “The Effect of Spending Cuts On Teen Pregnancy”, written by David Paton and Liam Write, published in the Journal of Health Economics[1] has concluded that, “in contrast to predictions by politicians and organisations working in the field, local areas which imposed bigger cuts to projects aimed at reducing teenage pregnancy have, on average, experienced faster decreases in teenage pregnancy rates” in the UK.

From 2008, when local expenditures began to drop in earnest, to 2014, teen pregnancy rates dropped from 40 pregnancies/1000 teen females to about 23/1000.[2] There was also a reduction in abortion rates: about 19 abortions/1000 teen females to about 11/1000.

Fig. 1 illustrates annual LIG allocations and, from 2009, local expenditure on teenage pregnancy initiatives, as well as annual rates of under-18 conceptions and abortions from 1998 until 2014.

While the study admits that direct cause of the reduction in teen pregnancy is debatable, it suggests that easy access to contraceptives plays an important role in increased risky sexual behavior. Multiple studies are cited showing that “easier access to birth control”, including abortion clinics, “may induce increases in sexual activity amongst teens.”[3]

There are many variables which can affect how a child perceives information regarding sex and how they choose to apply that information. Onset of puberty[4], maturity level, family involvement, and individual curiosity are just a few of these factors. Creating a “one-size-fits-all” educational formula for what is best for each child is virtually impossible.

Controversy regarding the effects of sexual education on our young people is heated and ongoing. Some people demand sex education be mandated without a parental opt-out while others demand it should not be taught in schools at all. Some believe that all forms of sexuality ought to be included while others believe that only reproductive sexuality should be taught.

Just last year in Omaha, more than 1500 people gathered at the school board meeting to discuss expanding the local public school’s sexual education curriculum to include gender identity, gender expression, and abortion. Despite severe opposition, Omaha Public Schools voted nearly unanimously to make the curriculum changes.

Related: Omaha Public Schools Updated Sex-Ed Curriculum Includes Controversial Topics

“The Effect of Spending Cuts On Teen Pregnancy” highlights the possibility, at least for some teens, providing easy access to contraceptives increases high risk sexual behavior and therefore teen pregnancy. Regardless of personal opinions, we are still learning the effects of sexual education and there may be, as yet, unforeseen negative consequences.


[1] “The Effect of Spending Cuts On Teen Pregnancy”, David Paton and Liam Wright, Journal of Health Economics; Elsevier; July 2017  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167629617304551

[2] Ibid; Fig. 1

[3] Ibid; See 2. Background, para 5 and 6. Discussion…para 5

[4] https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/series/sr_23/sr23_025.pdf

Nebraska Family Alliance
Nebraska Family Alliance exists to advance family, freedom and life by influencing policy, mobilizing prayer, and empowering people.
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