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The Texas Blue
Advancing Progressive Ideas

Opportunity for Improvement

Lubbock, Texas has teenage pregnancy and STD rates that exceed per capita state and national averages. Mayor David Miller is alarmed, and claims that these rates tax the entire community by inflating local health care and insurance costs.

In an effort to combat the problem, Mayor Miller created a 33-member committee called the Lubbock Family Council. LFC members include teenagers, doctors, and representatives from the business sector. LFC's mission is to "communicate, collaborate, and coordinate the efforts of entities and individuals involved in the prevention and intervention of low birth-weight babies, sexually transmitted diseases, and unplanned pregnancies." Mayor Miller wants LFC to find solutions for lowering rates and reversing trends.

I applaud Mayor Miller's effort and see this committee as an opportunity for improvement. Nevertheless, I am concerned the LFC might miss this opportunity by devolving into advocating an abstinence-only approach. The committee should steer clear from merely relying on what is culturally comfortable, and instead pursue a comprehensive and educated approach to lowering the rates.

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