Teenage pregnancies decline

    Recently released records show a 1.1 percent drop in teenage pregnancy in 2000, from 7.6 percent to 6.5 percent, according to Jason Lamers, public relations officer for the Fort Worth Public Health Department.

   Various reasons for the decline may include increased incomes, education and availability of abstinence-based social services. Sex education classes, such as Up Close, are currently being taught to Fort Worth ISD ninth grade students.

   Lamers reports that the Fort Worth rate still remains higher than county, state or national rates.

   To combat teenage pregnancy, the Fort Worth Public Health Department offers these suggestions:

   •Parents need to act as role models for their children.

   •Parents should let their children know what they believe is right or wrong.

   •Parents should listen to their children and show they care about the decisions they make.

   •Parents should speak to their children about the dangers of       unprotected sex.