Better access to contraception, higher quality sex education and shifting social norms have contributed to a 36.9 per cent decline in Canada’s teen birth and abortion rate between 1996 to 2006, according to a report released today by the Sex Information and Education Council of Canada.
“In comparison to the United States, we tend to have a more balanced, sensible approach to adolescent sexual health. Generally speaking what you find is that the more a society has an accepting attitude toward the reality of adolescent sexuality, the lower the teen pregnancy rate is. Canadians tend to have a more relaxed attitude towards adolescent sexuality than people in the United States.”
Mr. McKay said America’s emphasis on abstinence-only sex ed “tends to result in a higher percentage of teens becoming pregnant,” as does the country’s lack of universal health care. Poverty is another factor.
USA’s teenage pregnancy rate is higher than that of Canada. Combine that with the fact that abortion is not readily available in many parts of USA, teenage birth rate in USA is also higher compared to that in Canada.
Indeed, the difference is huge; Canada has teen birth and abortion rate of 27.9 per 1000, while USA has a rate of 61.2 per 1000.
However, this does not mean that teenagers are any less sexually active compared to 10 years ago. All it means is that Canada has done a splendid job of making contraceptive information available. The decrease is attributed, not to drop sexual activity, but increased used of condoms and other contraceptives.
Canada’s teen birth and abortion rate drops by 36.9 per cent - The Globe and Mail
“In comparison to the United States, we tend to have a more balanced, sensible approach to adolescent sexual health. Generally speaking what you find is that the more a society has an accepting attitude toward the reality of adolescent sexuality, the lower the teen pregnancy rate is. Canadians tend to have a more relaxed attitude towards adolescent sexuality than people in the United States.”
Mr. McKay said America’s emphasis on abstinence-only sex ed “tends to result in a higher percentage of teens becoming pregnant,” as does the country’s lack of universal health care. Poverty is another factor.
USA’s teenage pregnancy rate is higher than that of Canada. Combine that with the fact that abortion is not readily available in many parts of USA, teenage birth rate in USA is also higher compared to that in Canada.
Indeed, the difference is huge; Canada has teen birth and abortion rate of 27.9 per 1000, while USA has a rate of 61.2 per 1000.
However, this does not mean that teenagers are any less sexually active compared to 10 years ago. All it means is that Canada has done a splendid job of making contraceptive information available. The decrease is attributed, not to drop sexual activity, but increased used of condoms and other contraceptives.
Canada’s teen birth and abortion rate drops by 36.9 per cent - The Globe and Mail