Having a child at a young age has a major impact, not only on the young parents themselves, but also on society. Teenage parents often need a great deal of care and support—from their own networks, as well as from care providers and local authorities. Every year, approximately 4,000 young people under the age of 20 become pregnant. Although the number of teenage pregnancies is declining, there are still groups that deserve additional attention. It remains important to invest in preventing unintended teenage pregnancies.
In 2014, the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport made financial resources available to provide an additional boost to the prevention of unintended teenage pregnancy and support for informed decision-making. Through the Impulse Project for the Prevention of Unintended Teenage Pregnancies (IPOT), the three organisations acquired new knowledge about the factors underlying unintended teenage pregnancy and gained greater insight into effective prevention tools.
The three organisations have developed materials to better prepare young people for sexual relationships, inform them about the reliable contraceptive methods available and how to use them, and help them make an appropriate choice. They also provide information about what to do if you have had unsafe sex and what choices are available in the event of an unintended pregnancy. Young people are increasingly searching for information themselves. Information about pregnancy and contraception on reliable online channels such as Sense.info has been expanded and improved.
To support young people in making responsible choices, it is important that not only parents, but also teachers and other professionals engage in conversations with young people.
The three organisations have therefore developed or updated teaching methods for various levels of education. For youth care and youth work, interventions have been further developed, with special attention to the desire to have children, young parenthood and contraception. Various tools and training courses are available to support general practitioners, abortion care providers, gynaecologists and midwives in providing tailored contraceptive counselling and decision support in cases of unintended pregnancy. The three organisations also offer support for practice nurses, medical assistants and nurses. For local authorities that want to invest more in prevention at the local level, the three organisations provide practical tips for effective policy.
An overview of the tools and products developed has been created for every professional. They can be used immediately and are also available free of charge (except for the teaching methods) via www.rutgers.nl/preventie-tienerzwangerschap.