Health

Lesbian, Bisexual Youth at High Risk for Pregnancy

by Karenke4 | December 17, 2008 at 10:04 am

857 views | 15 Recommendations | 9 comments

According to a recent study in Vancouver, British Columbia, young lesbian women are at a higher risk for pregnancy than their heterosexual classmates.

Data gathered from 30,000 students over a period of ten years shows a higher percentage of pregnancies in girls who identify as either a lesbian or bisexual. Gay and bisexual men also contribute to more unplanned pregnancies than their straight classmates.

In the 1998 survey, for instance, 10.6% of girls who identified as bisexual reported a pregnancy as did 7.3% of lesbians while only 1.8% of heterosexual girls conceived.

While there is not conclusive evidence as to the reasons behind this trend, experts have their theories. Students are still ostracized for being different in any way in today's classrooms. Many GLBT students may try to over compensate for their differences by participating in risky social behaviors, including unprotected sex. Lesbian women may act out sexually in an effort to hide their true orientation or in curious experimentation.

"For some gay, lesbian and bisexual teens it's camouflage," said Elizabeth Saewyc, lead author of the study and an associate professor at the University of B.C.'s school of nursing, "because it's still pretty stigmatized and they still face a lot of harassment at school."

Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered students and their peers would benefit from an increased awareness in schools for GLBT issues, including pregnancy and safe sex information and resources.

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think outside the piggy bank

at 16:09 on December 17th, 2008

It could also be that because they're not anticipating having sex with someone not of their gender, they're unprepared, and accidents DO happen.

158

at 16:42 on December 17th, 2008

There are many reasons for this but the answer could be to be 100% gay.

Rhonda J Mangus

at 17:55 on December 17th, 2008

Thank you for this story, Karenke4. "Everyone needs accurate information on birth control and safer sex regardless of sexual orientation." Link to an article that expands on the reasons that could contribute to the situation.

panzerlawyer

at 21:44 on December 17th, 2008

Maybe their tongues are producing sperm? This is a weird article. How can you be gay and get pregnant if your female. Just weird.

Rhonda J Mangus

at 04:59 on December 18th, 2008

panzerlawyer, your comment suggests to me that you did not read the article. Please try to keep your comments appropriate. Thank you.

panzerlawyer

at 08:35 on December 18th, 2008

I read it, but the title is inappropriate. Clearly they are bi-sexual and not pure "gay" ..... Right?

Rhonda J Mangus

at 14:33 on December 18th, 2008

panzerlawyer, I do not think the title is inappropriate. From the article above: "Data gathered from 30,000 students over a period of ten years shows a higher percentage of pregnancies in girls who identify as either a lesbian or bisexual. Gay and bisexual men also contribute to more unplanned pregnancies than their straight classmates."

thelastword (not verified)

at 08:28 on December 18th, 2008

`instead of promoting this destructive lifestyle on our youths, we ought to educate people on the dangers: physical, mental, emotional and social that these things seek to involve themselves in.