The Influence of a Story

I read this article on msn today and thought it was interesting:

Recession surprise: Teen births hit all-time low

Experts stunned by 6 percent decline in 2009 for girls ages 15-19; birth rate up for older moms ~

The U.S. teen birth rate hit an all-time low in 2009 — a decline that stunned experts say is partly because of the economy. The birth rate for teenagers fell to 39 births per 1,000 girls, ages 15 through 19, according to a government report released Tuesday. It was a 6 percent decline from the previous year, and the lowest rate since health officials started tracking that data in 1940. Experts say the recent recession — from December 2007 to June 2009 — was a major factor driving down births overall, and experts say there's good reason to think it affect would-be teen mothers.

The CDC report: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs

However . . . perhaps there is another reason . . . just maybe . . .

It may not have anything to do with the economy . . . or who is in the White House . . . or even family planning education in schools . . . my thinking is of a much more "fantastical" nature. 

Twilight became a cultural phenomenon in 2007. By 2009 teenage girls throughout the country were in love with Edward Cullen and the romance between him and Bella. Edward refused to take away Bella's virtue before they were married - despite her attempts of seduction.

Most women (whether we will admit it or not - or regardless of whether we liked the Twilight books) appreciated the message that was sent to the world. We want to be treated with love, tenderness, respect, and honor. Women are worth more than the world wants us to believe we are worth. 

Thank you Stephenie Meyer ~ you may have created an unrealistic expectation of what real relationships are all about - but I believe you just might have helped lower the rate of teenage pregnancies. Good job!