More Same-Sex Contact and Less Pregnancy for Teen Girls

December 23rd, 2011 - By Brande Victorian

Another interesting trend may be on the rise among teen girls—sexual contact with other girls. In a comparison of data from 2002, a new analysis of the U.S. National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) from 2006-2008, found that 17-year-old girls were significantly less likely to have been heterosexually active (63% v. 46%) but more than twice as likely to have had same-sex contact (5% v. 11%).

While this trend likely explains why these same girls were less likely to be pregnant (18% v. 12%). The fact that this group of teens was also more than three times as likely to have used emergency contraception (5% v. 17%) doesn’t quite fit the same-sex contact finding. But the drop in the percentage of 17-year-old girls who had ever been pregnant does, although this stat could also mean girls are waiting longer to engage in heterosexual activity.

Given the small sample size in this study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior—roughly 200 teen girls—the researchers say that more data is needed to determine whether this is a trend that is expected to continue, and what factors may have contributed to the change within the four-year span. They do note, though, that fluidity in sexual behavior and orientation is particularly common among young women and this finding may be an example of just that.

I think it’s also possible that girls may be more open to admitting same-sex contact now, as the idea has become increasingly less taboo within a very short period of time. Plus the percentage of girls who engaged in same-sex contact was still quite low.

What do you think about the idea that girls may be having more same-sex contact?

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

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  • Think

    I’d honestly say this is kinda split down the middle. While yes there are impressionable kids out there that will try anything once; I truly believe that more children are far more willing to admit or try things because it’s more acceptable now than in the past 50 years or so. People are curious and will do what it takes to fill that. Also please keep in mind that this was a study of 200 young girls, that hardly functions fo what the majority of young girls are doing. For all we know this maybe isolated to a specific region.

  • Fashionfemmefoto

    It’s silly to imply that a rise in same-sex behavior is the cause of less teen pregnancy. The numbers simply don’t add up. Sorry, the truth isn’t that exciting- girls are just thinking a bit more about their futures nowadays. And as far as more girls identifying themselves as not straight, it’s not that there are more of them than there used to be (percentage-wise)- it’s that more young people are less afraid to be themselves.

  • http://www.facebook.com/kayla.esbjorn Kayla Ancrum

    I don’t like the way this article is presenting homosexuality as the reason why teenage pregnancy is lessening.

    As
    someone who was very recently a teenage girl, I will tell you why other
    young black women my age think  getting pregnant early is no longer an
    option: It is not financially viable and we are beginning to notice.
    Getting pregnant as a teenager lessens our chances of graduating
    highschool, much less making it to college. And in an America where
    people are being fired for not having a degree and people without
    degrees don’t have a chance in hell of being hired, doing something that
    will make securing a financially stable future even MORE difficult than
    it already is just simply isn’t very appealing. 

    Not ” Oh,
    there is a rise of people ADMITTING to same sex contact rose, so
    therefore that’s the reason teenage pregnancy is lessening.”

    Stop trying to frighten black mothers with your slander.

    Oh,
    and Madame Noire, Teenage pregnancy in whites is also decreasing at a
    similar rate. this is not just a singular black phenomenon. Don’t make
    it seem as if it is.

  • Cts84

    That’s the whole purpose behind homosexuality in our community exploding. Less Black babies. Less teen pregnancy is great, but this is not the way.

    • http://www.facebook.com/kayla.esbjorn Kayla Ancrum

      hmm.

  • http://twitter.com/_L00KAtMeNow_ GoodvsEvil

    I always wondered what my mom would say if i jokingly told her i am gay just to see what she would say.So one day I joked around and tell my mom i had a girlfriend to see what she would say.  i end up getting burned with hot wax!! LOL i should have never did that knowing she from the Caribbean they dont play that. still got scars LOL

  • NewNaturalSista

    Everyone got everything wrong on how to prevent teen pregnancy.I thought this was an about how to prevent it in apositive way and homosexuality is not the answer. Actually the studies in this article makes preventing teen pregnancy three steps back.  In no way shape or form im against Homosexualtiy but teens follow trends. If you look at tv  every women are having same sex contact with women from Rihanna to Nicki Minaj. We got to do better as people with raising our young daughters .

    • http://www.facebook.com/kayla.esbjorn Kayla Ancrum

      Hah! you think that this has something to do with how you were raised? The reason more (and not much more) people are saying they’ve had same sex contact now, than in the past, is not because more same sex contact is actually occurring, but because it is slightly less taboo to admit it nowadays. Besides, this anti-homosexual culture in which we are currently living is something that occurs in waves. About 200 years ago, it was significantly less risque and then another 500 years ago, it was almost expected and 900 years ago, it was basically encouraged as a form of bonding. This stupid “Golden Age” way of thinking is both unfounded and stupid. People weren’t more morally just back in the day. That is a psychologically supported illusion which as no basis in historical fact. I am of the opinion that we just let this happen and be happy that teenage pregnancy is diminishing. Because unlike homosexuality, teenage pregnancy has actual physical lasting consequences that negatively affect families as well as communities and the economy.

      • Guess

        It doesnt matter whether homosexuality is more accepted today.  If young girls are engaging in sexual activity with other girls because it’s considered trendy then we have problem.  And we all know that with the sexualization of same sex relations in music+ more and more girls are doing the same.  This is ridiculous.  Dont confuse homosexuality with peer pressure and following the trend.  And moreso, the homosexual community should be at the forefront of changing this.  And finally yes, we have to do better raising our kids to understand the same sexual relationships is not a game

        • http://www.facebook.com/kayla.esbjorn Kayla Ancrum

          Who cares who explores with who when they’re teenagers. If they aren’t actually gay that fizzles out before they become adults. Problem solved. Everyone pretty much understands that, but you apparently.  That’s why the homosexual community doesn’t really act on this so called ” phenomenon”. Besides, they’re too busy fighting for important stuff. Like the right to live without fear.

          Plus, homosexuality isn’t what is being “advertised”. Its Bi-sexuality. And as someone who is bisexual, that whole ” Same sex relationships are not a game” thing is the most debated and discussed thing in the Bi community. So don’t worry your pretty little head about it, we are thinking about it.

          • Guess

            You got offended. 

        • Kayla

          It seems to me you’re more concerned about the “gay” part than the “trend” part. Any straight teenager would be told to use protection and be safe etc.  But as soon as they’re gay now it’s suddenly not game??? really

          • Guess

            I dont think any sexual trend is a game

  • Prissy

    LOL NOW all teenage Black girls are lesbians??? I swear what happened to the GOOD writers that used to be on this website?? I am starting to think you all are conspiring with Bossip to write this garbage. It is insulting and very LOW of you guys. 

  • http://twitter.com/kekesmith8 keke smith

    whatever brings down teen pregnancy is fine in my book. and besides the girls kissing girls phase will probably pass, and by that time they will be mature adults ready for mature relationships, and even if they do end up gay, who cares. 

  • DR.FUNK

     Any parent of a teen daughter in this day & age has to be secretly happy-if not complicit…when that daughter seems to be leaning towards other girls.