Year: 1990
Type: article
Abstract: SHaron R o lN ic kThe high incidence o f teenage pregnancy and parenting for Hmong girls is culturally rooted in century-old traditions and values.Traditionally the Hmong m an y during their teens with childbirth closely following.Within the Hmong's native community, such practices do not necessarily pose problems for the future of the teens involved.Here in America, however, consequences of early marriage and childbearing are numerous, as those who do not complete their education severely minimize their opportunities for the future.The Southeast Asian Community leaders in St. Paul, Minnesota, have come to recognize the ramifications o f maintaining these traditions within the American culture.They were disturbed with 1980s data indicating that many Hmong girls were not completing their high school education.They were also concerned that in the special program designed for pregnant high school girls, 40 percent were Southeast Asian.These leaders have concluded that they must find ways to discourage the practice o f early marriage and childbearing.To this end, Lao Family Community has undertaken a multi-faceted program to reduce the rate of teenage pregnancy within their community.The program, which will be in effect for three years, has ju st completed year one.
Author: Sharon J. Rolnick
Institution: La Salle University
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2182148548