With teenage birth rates rising nationally for the first time in 15 years, a majority of New Jersey residents worry pregnancy among teens is a major problem in the state, according to a Monmouth University/Gannett New Jersey poll. Sixty-one percent of New Jersey adults believe teenage pregnancy is a major problem, while 27 percent say it’s just a minor concern and 10 percent have no opinion. The national birth rate among teenage girls ages 15 to 17 increased from 21 births per 1,000 girls in 2005 to 22 births in 2006, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. In New Jersey, preliminary statistics released by the state Department of Health and Senior Services show that birth rates for girls aged 15 to 19 rose from 24 per 1,000 girls in 2005 to 24. Ninety-three percent of New Jerseyans support teaching about birth control in high school, and 77 percent say starting this type of sex education at the middle school level is appropriate. Cardone, Toms River Regional schools’ assistant superintendent, said the state Education Department mandates teaching of human sexuality and family life, and the district begins talking about family life issues in the elementary grades. read more

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