Learn about important health issues:

Abortion

Each year, about 750,000 to 850,000 teenage women become pregnant. Seventy-four to ninety-five percent of these pregnancies are unintended. In between 1992 and 1999, young women accounted for 20 percent or less of all abortions in the United States.

Body Image

It is a common myth that eating disorders only effect white middle and upper class females, however, women and girls of color are just as likely to be affected by eating disorders. For more information on eating disorders, myths and facts about body size, and resources, check out this section.

Condoms

Male condoms , or "rubbers," are made of latex, plastic, or natural membranes. Unrolled, condoms look like long, thin balloons. They prevent body fluids from mixing when two people have sex. There are also female condoms.

Emergency Contraception

Learn how to safely prevent pregnancy—up to five days after unprotected sex!!!

HIV and AIDS

HIV doesn't discriminate. It doesn't care who you are - black, Latina, Native American, Asian, straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. Anyone can become infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, because it's not who you are but what you do that puts you at risk for getting HIV.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Did you know that there are more than 15 million new cases of STIs a year? Did you know there are nearly four million STIs among teens and over six million STIs among youth ages 20 to 24 a year? Did you know that young women and female adolescents are more susceptible to STI, compared to their male counterparts, due to their anatomy? This feature is designed to provide you with the latest "411" on sexually transmitted infections and ways to protect yourself. Check it out.

Teen Pregnancy

Each year, almost 750,000 teenage women aged 15-19 become pregnant. And each year, 750,000 dreams are deferred, perhaps, never to be attained. Of the 750,000 teenage pregnancies that occur each year, the majority occur in women of color. Read more about teen pregnancy in this section.

 

*Information on this page provided by mysistahs.org