U.S. states whose residents have more conservative religious beliefs on average tend to have higher rates of teenagers giving birth, a new study suggests.The relationship could be due to the fact that communities with such religious beliefs (a literal interpretation of the Bible, for instance) may frown upon contraception, researchers say. If that same culture isn't successfully discouraging teen sex, the pregnancy and birth rates rise.
Mississippi topped the list for conservative religious beliefs and teen birth rates, according to the study results, which will be detailed in a forthcoming issue of the journal Reproductive Health. (See chart) Teen Birth Rates Highest In Most Religious States
Wasilla, Alaska
excerpts..
Pat O'Hara, a journalist who served on the Wasilla school board for twelve years, remembers how the religious right made her feel like a stranger in her own community.
The Valley, Alaska's fastest-growing region, is a spectacular area of lakes and birch and spruce forests, surrounded by granite-colored snowcapped mountains that poke through the clouds.
It wasn't until the 1990s that local churches like the Wasilla Assembly of God, which Palin grew up attending, became aggressively political.
A few years before Palin became mayor, a group of preachers confronted the school board with questions about social issues that had never before surfaced in local politics, according to O'Hara, who wrote first for the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman and then for the Anchorage Daily News.
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Wasilla High lack of sex educationFEAR: Fearing abductions, Mat-Su hospital halts birth notices
Policy is based in part on guidelines provided by advocacy group
In a blow to newspaper tradition, and perhaps a signal of the death of small-town innocence, an Alaska hospital has stopped the longtime practice of announcing births out of fear it could lead to the abduction of an infant.
Sarah Palin's former staff has a book to shop
The Alaskan Report: "Former Palin staffer shopping book"
Diva moments, when Palin actually first heard from John McCain, and how Palin believes she's "the chosen one." We'll post what we can when we get it.
"...the entire valley isn't insane but it is like the twilight zone there."
Celtic Diva: I did some research on "TeenPact" over at TeenPact.com and discovered why the teens weren't completely forthcoming
80,000 people in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough
According to State Trooper records, in 1999 there were 38 officers assigned to the borough. Today there are 39. (2006)
When will Bristol's abstinence-only passion show?
Mudflats: A Mat-Su Teen Speaks Out | Planned Parenthood in the Mat-Su Valley
Gryphen: Blumenthal reveals the frightening secrets of Palin's religious beliefs
Uppers and downers:
Wasilla's Meth Problem Made Palin's Borough The Meth Capital Of Alaska
Update: OxyContin is on the rise across Southeast Alaska, where 80-milligram tablets of the opiate-based pain pill have a street value of between $120 and $160, according to the report.
Oxy replaces Meth | addicted to the power drug OxyContin | "...smoke OxyContin, drink booze and smoke weed.”
The hope of the Valley? | The Children's Place
A private practice family physician and the 2002 National National Award Winner: Cathy Baldwin-Johnson -Volunteer Medical Director at The Children's Place in Wasilla, Alaska
Local Resources
Alaska MLS
Area Information
City of Palmer - Palmer - Palmer City Council
City of Wasilla - Wasilla - Wasilla City Council
Mat-Su Borough - Mat-Su Borough
Palmer Chamber of Commerce
Wasilla Chamber of Commerce
Schools
Alaska State Dept. of Education - school reports, statistics, demographics....
Health Care
Alaska Regional Hospital - Anchorage Regional hospital
Mat-Su Regional Hospital - Mat-Su's regional hospital
Providence hospital - Anchorage hospital
Local Utility Companies
MTA - Local telephone, internet, DSL, long distance, wireless
