I was once a teenage girl, happy and carefree until my life was turned upside down by teenage pregnancy. The incident left me suffering emotionally and physically, and caused disruptions in my education. This experience is not unique to me, but a reality for approximately 750,000 teenagers in the United States every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Despite the emotional toll, the health risks for both teenage mothers and their babies are significantly higher compared to older mothers. Premature births and low birth weight are more common among babies born to teen mothers, as stated by the CDC. Furthermore, these mothers are less likely to obtain prenatal care, increasing the potential for complications during pregnancy.

The best way to prevent teenage pregnancy is through comprehensive sex education, which includes teaching about contraception, responsible sexual behaviors, and the consequences of early pregnancy. Currently, there is a lack of uniformity and comprehensiveness in sex education programs in the US—with some schools offering abstinence-only education, leaving teenagers ill-prepared for responsible decision-making about their sexual health.

This is why we are asking policymakers and educators to implement comprehensive sex education nationwide—it is not only about reducing the number of teenage pregnancies, but also about fostering educated and responsible citizens. Please sign this petition and join the movement to advance the quality of sex education in our schools.