Eva M. Clayton: “30 percent of all out-of-wedlock births are to teenagers below the age of 20. That astonishing reality should be…”

“30 percent of all out-of-wedlock births are to teenagers below the age of 20. That astonishing reality should be alarming to Congress and to the citizens of our country. More importantly, the recently implemented welfare reform has accelerated the need to address the issue of out-of-wedlock teen births. As we consider solutions to this issue, we must keep in mind that no other industrialized nation with a standard of living comparable to the United States has a problem of this dimension. On the problem of teenage pregnancy, we have the dubious distinction of leading the world. It is critical that our Nation take a clear stand against teen pregnancy and that this position be widely publicized. We must encourage and then be engaged in a national discussion about how religious culture and public values influence both teenage pregnancy and the way our society responds to this dilemma. We must encourage and stimulate innovative solutions through local schools, churches, and civic groups, as well as local and State officials. We must foster community involvement where each community will determine what would be appropriate and acceptable based on the community's standards and values. I think you will agree that these decisions must be made at the community level, by the individuals who care the most and who have the greatest influence with these young people.”