DeLauro Responds to New Report Showing Young Adults Misperceptions on Contraception, Pregnancy

Washington, DC— Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) released the following statement in response a report released today by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancies that shows myths and misconceptions about pregnancy and contraception abound in young, unmarried adults.

The survey is the first of its kind to examine in detail single young adults' attitudes and perceptions about contraception, pregnancy, family structures, and other related issues. 1,800 single young adults, aged 18-24, were surveyed on their attitudes towards and perceptions of risks and benefits associated with various methods of contraception, how these views impacted their behavior, and how their misconceptions overall could be a barrier in preventing unplanned pregnancies.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)'s National Center for Health Statistics and the Guttmacher Institute, half of all pregnancies in the United States are unplanned. Among unmarried women in their 20s, that number is even higher: 7 out of 10 pregnancies are reported to be unplanned. This survey helps to explain why the rate of unplanned pregnancies remains so high among young adults.

Congresswoman DeLauro said, "This study shows how necessary it is to provide our nation's young people with the correct information on contraception and pregnancy. We must stop ignoring the truth, and recognize and change these misconceptions by providing medically accurate information if we are to have a real impact in reducing unplanned pregnancies."

For the full report please click here.