Reproductive health dialogues: Including both male and female voices in the conversation

Our nation is in the midst of two decade long decrease in teen pregnancy rates. Research indicates a combination of increased sexual abstinence and greater use of contraception among sexually active youth have both contributed to this decline. Understanding the reasons to be concerned about the sexual risk taking behaviors of both young women and young men is paramount to continued success reducing teen pregnancy. In recent years, there is a growing acknowledgement of the need to include young men in prevention efforts. However, to date said acknowledgement has not yet led to a deeper understanding of the complexities of involving males nor has it resulted in more meaningful inclusion of young men in prevention programming.

Let's face it, despite our (best) efforts the narrative around teen pregnancy prevention in our country remains very female centric. What are the unique needs of young men? What types of interventions are attractive to them? How must our delivery and lexicon change when talking to young men as opposed to young women? Research and programmatic experience collected by the South Carolina Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy through a variety of mechanisms is starting to shed some light on the answers to these questions. This presentation will begin to explore findings from focus groups, interviews and program exit data with young men in an attempt to begin a more thoughtful dialogue inclusive of female and male voices.