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9/15/00 The world has advanced in so many ways since 1960. From improvements in medicine to breakthrough technology to the demise of the Cold War, there has been much progress. But not every trend is positive. During the past 40 years, the per centage of babies born to unwed mothers in Alabama has tripled. It now stands at 34 percent. The problem is far worse in some Black Belt counties, where nearly 7 in 10 births are to single mothers. Jefferson County, too, is doing worse than the average, with 39 percent of births out of wedlock. Actually, the national percentage of births to unmarried women isn't much better than Alabama's. From coast to coast, nearly 33 percent of births are to single moms. Pundits, sociologists and demographers have plenty of places to point when they search for the source of this downward spiral. Some blame the sexual revolution, popular culture and the erosion of "family values." Whatever the case, it's a trend that must be turned. Having children out of wedlock doesn't guarantee a lousy future for your family. But it sure raises the odds. Studies show that unmarried women and their children are far more likely to live in poverty than two-parent families. Children of single mothers also face a greater likeli hood of other problems, from poor health to neglect or abuse. They often perform more poorly in school and face a greater chance of getting into trouble with the law. Children of unwed teen mothers, especially, start off life at greater risk. They are more likely to enter life at below healthy birthweight, which can lead to lifelong health and cognitive problems. If the baby is a girl, studies suggest she is more likely to become a teen mother herself. This is not just a problem for single mothers. Taxpayers should take notice, too. Take welfare. The vast majority of welfare recipients are single mothers. Consider prison costs; many of those behind bars, and in juvenile programs, are products of single-mother households. So are many children in foster care, and many low-income children receiving health insurance through Medicaid. Combating the problem hasn't been easy, or very successful. Since 1994, the percentage of unwed births in Alabama has barely moved, despite a growing number of programs aimed at educating teens about the consequences of sexual activity and unplanned pregnancy. The numbers are discouraging. But the work must not stop. The state Department of Human Resources is stepping up its preg nancy-prevention efforts, with more than $6 million going to 27 commu nity-based programs over three years. Those programs are aimed mostly at teens. DHR also is developing programs with the Children's Trust Fund to encourage unwed fathers to be more responsible in caring for their children. Nonprofit groups, churches and civic organizations can play a role in trying to cut down on unwed births among older women. Most of the state's unwed births are to women ages 18 to 29. Of course, ultimately it's up to individuals — men and women, boys and girls — to think about their behavior. The right choices will make a real difference on the lives of our children. © 2000 The Birmingham News. Used with permission. |
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