Chicago is shocking the world with its 2013 teen pregnancy prevention campaign, which features pregnant teenage boys.
The city with the highest rate of teen pregnancies has upped their game with this year’s teen pregnancy prevention campaign: they have finally caught the media’s attention with their pictures of pregnant teenagers—who are male.
“We wanted it to be provocative,” Chicago Health Commissioner Dr. Bechara Choucair said. “We wanted this campaign, those images, to spark conversation, and that’s exactly what we’re getting.”
Twitter has been abuzz with users tweeting the campaign images, and the media has been all over it. It even got air time on The View:
“I think it’s a tough sell to get young men to realize that just because you’re not pregnant for nine months, it still affects you,” said Sherri Shepherd.
“It’s a smart campaign,” added Elisabeth Hasselbeck. “It makes you stop in your tracks.”
People of all ages have weighed in on the images, which feature slogans like “Unexpected? Most Teen Pregnancies Are,” and there has been a powerful positive response. The ads, which are targeted towards teenage boys, offers two ways to prevent pregnancies and STDs: “Wear a condom. Or wait.”
Controversial? Maybe. Effective? You bet. Ad supporters claim Milwaukee saw a 10 percent decline in teenage pregnancy after running similar ads. And New York reported a 27 percent drop as well. With numbers like that, there is a definite chance that Chicago’s summer campaign could see a similar drop in teen pregnancies.
What do you think?
Photos: Chicago Department of Public Health
Here’s an excerpt from my article and take on this ad campaign… State Raised Children? Hold Us Accountable Chicago needs our help. The City of Chicago has been fighting a war against broken homes, teen pregnancy, and violence for many years. Chicago has the 3rd largest school district in the nation and is an international hub of business, science, and industry. The city workers and public officials have taken it upon itself to raise and manage children through ad campaigns and public schools. State-raised children? There has been a shift; even the non-conformist community is offended by this latest ad… Read more »
It’s all about perspective. This should broaden the scope for young men and women. I’m proud of my city for forcing society to address both parties of unplanned pregnancy, instead of just the statistically quotable “pregnant teens”.