Media Advisory

For immediate release:

October 5, 2011

For more information contact 202-724-8190

DC Councilmember Michael A. Brown to host Press Conference with

DC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy

Washington, DC-

On Tuesday, October 11, 2011, at noon, on the steps of the John A. Wilson Building,Councilmember Michael A. Brown and colleagues will join with the DC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy at a press conference to highlight the continuing challenges the District of Columbia faces with teen pregnancy and its impact on the economic well being of our residents and the city at large. The Councilmember will discuss his commitment to encourage our teens to act responsibly, live healthy and make informed choices.

Recently, the District of Columbia has seen a reduction in the rates of pregnancies for teenage women aged 15-19 years old- thanks in large part to organizations like the DC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. However, rates in the District far exceed the national average.

Councilmember Michael A. Brown believes that every young person deserves a chance at success, which is much more difficult for a youth who becomes a teen parent. He understands that only through continued advocacy, quality education and outreach combined with public support and media exposure will we be able to reduce this trend and end the cycle of intergenerational dependence on government.

Facts overwhelmingly show that the burden of such pregnancies fall on the taxpayer. Over 50% of the recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) started their families when they were teens. 76% of children placed in foster care were born to teen parents and sons of teen mothers are three times more likely to enter the criminal justice system. Frankly, teen pregnancy is a one way ticket to persistent poverty.
http://www.dccampaign.org



WHAT: PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE STATE OF TEEN PREGNANCY IN DC

WHO: MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
           DC CAMPAIGN TO END TEEN PREGNANCY

WHERE: JOHN A. WILSON BUILDING, FRONT STEPS, 1350 PENN. AVE., NW

TIME: 12:00 NOON