Teen pregnancy is on a decline

By Millar Hill

Pregnancy rates among adolescents are decreasing, according to recent statistics.

According to Ontario’s Ministry of Health and Long-term Care, the rate of teenage pregnancies has been decreasing over the last 25 years. Even though the rate is decreasing, there are still young mothers raising children in our communities.

A local mother, Chelsea Fields, 22, was 14 years old when she became pregnant with her son. At the time, she was a blue-haired, punk-enthusiast who said she was headed down a bad road. She is grateful for the birth of her son because it gave her the opportunity to make a good change.

“Naturally, I thought my parents were going to kill me. Surprisingly, they were both supportive and still are to this day,” she said. ‘Raising kids is absolutely the most fulfilling and terrifying thing anyone can do. It becomes our job to love and teach these little human beings about the world and what it brings.”

 

Although Fields was faced with adult responsibilities than most of her friends, she is still a young woman. Her hairstyle varies with colour, patches are sewn onto her clothes and punk music remains a favourite. According to Fields, when given time to herself, she continues to see bands play and socializes with her friends.

“My son and I have an amazing relationship. We do everything together,” she said. “He isn’t afraid to ask me questions or speak what is on his mind. He knows I support him 100 per cent and will always be there to encourage him.”

Tara Kowalska is the executive director at The Windsor Youth Centre. It is the only drop-in-centre for homeless youth in the Windsor-Essex County region. She said the centre offers a program for anyone who is in need of support and basic parenting supplies. “We’re here for the youth. Our age group is anywhere from 16 to 25.”

In Windsor, programs to help women and young mothers are available at facilities such as Rapha Christian Centre, Women’s Health Care Centre and Teen Health Centre.