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Fact
According to the 2010 Georgia County Guide, the number of teenage pregnancies from age 10-19, are presently 713 in Chatham County. |
Solution
The Living Vine is a state licenced Maternity Home designed to meet the needs of young women in crisis pregnancy. |
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Fact
The March of Dimes reports that teen mothers are more likely to give birth prematurely. Babies born too soon face an increased risk of newborn health problems and long-term disabilities. Teens are least likely of all maternal age groups to get early and regular prenatal care. The Baby Center Website’s first-year calculator now averages the cost at $10,158 per healthy child. However, the March of Dimes Medical costs for a premature baby are much, much greater than they are for a healthy newborn. In a report published in 2006 by the Institute of Medicine, the average first-year medical costs were about 10 times greater for preterm infants that for full-term infants. |
Solution
The Living Vine provides transportation to and from all medical appointments, monitors prenatals and other medication, offers healthy meals and snack choices, and encourages regular exercise. |
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Fact
The March of Dimes states that teens are more likely to smoke during pregnancy than women over age 25. Smoking doubles a woman's risk of having a low-birth weight baby and increases the risk of pregnancy complications, premature birth and stillbirth. |
Solution
The Living Vine does not allow smoking either on or off the premises while in our program. We do not allow drinking of coffee or alcohol, and obviously do no permit use of drugs. |
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Fact
As reported by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, only 40 percent of mothers who have children before the age of 18 ever complete high school. 80% of those who quit High School end up on welfare. |
Solution
The Living Vine provides a home school for each young woman who is of the appropriate school age and is enrolled as a student at the time of entry. Anyone who has not graduated from high school is required to take our GED preparation classes. |
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Fact
The March of Dimes reports that about 78 percent of children born to an unmarried, teenage high-school dropout, live in poverty compared to women over 20 who are married and high school graduates. Additionally, sons of teenage mothers are more likely to do a stint in prison, and daughters are more likely to become teenage mothers themselves. |
Solution
The Living Vine provides job training in conjunction with our four thrift stores. By the time her child is delivered, every resident has demonstrated a basic knowledge of pricing, sorting, customer service, opening and closing a business, and working with volunteers. Our vision is that every teen will leave the vine with a resume showing work experience. |
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What are the lasting consequences of teenage pregnancy?
Average medical cost for healthy full-term babies from birth through their first birthday was $4,551 in 2007. For premature and/or low birthweight babies nearly $50,000.
In 2005, there were 24,990 pregnancies to Georgia teens aged 15-19. 66% of these pregnancies resulted in live births and 19% in induced abortions. Most of these problems could be prevented.
As reported by the March of Dimes, teenage girls are usually biologically ready to have healthy babies. If they receive proper prenatal care, get a healthy diet, and stay away from cigarettes and alcohol, they have an excellent chance for a healthy pregnancy. Unfortunately, many girls fail to take these basic steps.
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