TO AFFIRM THE DEDICATION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO THE FUTURE SUCCESS OF SOUTH CAROLINA'S YOUNG PEOPLE AND ITS DEDICATION TO THE PREVENTION OF TEEN PREGNANCY, AND TO DECLARE THE MONTH OF MAY 2015, AS "TEEN PREGNANCY PREVENTION MONTH" IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
Whereas, teen pregnancies have far-reaching consequences that adversely affect the health, education, and economic future of South Carolina's young people; and
Whereas, in 2013, almost four thousand nine hundred young girls ages fifteen to nineteen gave birth in our State; and
Whereas, between 1992 and 2013, teen birth rates in South Carolina decreased by fifty-four percent; and
Whereas, teen birth rates in South Carolina decreased by thirteen percent between 2012 and 2013, resulting in the lowest teen birth rate for girls ages fifteen to nineteen ever recorded in South Carolina; and
Whereas, the reduction of the incidence of teen births saves South Carolina taxpayers millions of dollars each year, but those savings should not suggest decreases in investment and commitment to the issue; and
Whereas, Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month is an opportunity for parents, teens, educators, program providers, faith-based organizations, local elected leaders, and statewide policymakers to work together to reduce and prevent teen pregnancy in South Carolina. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, affirms its dedication to the future success of South Carolina's young people and its dedication to the prevention of teen pregnancy, and declares the month of May 2015, as "Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month" in the State of South Carolina.