Miami Herald, January 8, 2009

Re: the Jan. 7 story U.S. teen birth rates end 14-year drop:

Amid the news that teen birth rates rose after a 14-year decline, Planned Parenthood again calls on elected officials to support the Healthy Teens Act. This common-sense legislation will help ensure that teens receive the information they need to protect themselves against unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS.

As a healthcare provider, Planned Parenthood knows the power of education to help teens make responsible decisions about their health. Every year we provide five million women, men and teens worldwide with the health information and services they need to prevent unintended pregnancy and protect their health. We hope more elected officials in South Florida will join our efforts.

- JUDITH SELZER, vice president of public policy and communications, Planned Parenthood of South Florida and the Treasure Coast, Miami