The Georgia Department of Health focuses on teenage contraceptives

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Lawsuits challenging Georgia’s six-week abortion ban are still being fought in court.

This week a higher court allowed the law to remain in effect while this is happening.

Meanwhile, the Georgia Department of Health says Georgia’s teenage pregnancy rate is one of the highest in the country.

They say their goal is to make birth control information and resources available to as many as possible.

DPH wants to make birth control and contraception available to everyone.

At the moment, since the fall of Roe v. Wade mostly on young women. They want women to know what resources are available to help and how safe they are.

Georgia Department of Public Health nurses Heather Giles and Sebrina Harris work with patients on family planning.

“We’re open every day, five days a week, so there’s always someone coming in,” Harris said.

Since the fall of Roe v. Wade, health officials in our area say it’s important for everyone to understand the resources available, especially birth control and contraception.

Giles said: “With that in mind, just make sure you know what your options are.”

The latest 2020 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows Georgia ranks 15th in the nation for teenage birth rates. South Carolina is 11.

Harris said: “The younger people are very important. They are very active and have a different lifestyle and we want to provide them with the right contraceptive method for them.”

According to DPH in Georgia, teenage pregnancy typically leads to a vicious circle of poverty and high school dropout rates.

Nurses say birth control methods, old and new, are safe.

Giles said: “Unfortunately because of the internet there’s a lot of stuff out there and every woman is different and you can’t take one person’s experience and think it’s going to happen to you.”

Your doctor is the one who will help you find the best option for you.

“Speak to professionals and let us direct you to a reputable source where you can read up-to-date statistics, study results and do things like that,” Giles said.

You can go to the East Central Public Health District website which will direct you to the nearest clinic. You can call them and make an appointment for the same day, or you can just drop by.

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