Socioeconomic, cultural, and gender barriers limit the ability of some young women of color to receive information on sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, access culturally appropriate health care, and reduce sexual risks. Statistics by ethnicity can be misleading due to relationships between socioeconomic status and ethnicity; yet, illuminating the epidemiology of HIV in different populations may promote prevention efforts in under-served communities.

Abortion
Each year, about 750,000 to 850,000 teenage women become pregnant. Seventy-four to ninety-five percent of these pregnancies are unintended. In between 1992 and 1999, young women accounted for 20 percent or less of all abortions in the United States.

Body Image
It is a common myth that eating disorders only effect white middle and upper class females, however, women and girls of color are just as likely to be affected by eating disorders. For more information on eating disorders, myths and facts about body size, and resources, check out this section.

Condoms
Male condoms , or "rubbers," are made of latex, plastic, or natural membranes. Unrolled, condoms look like long, thin balloons. They prevent body fluids from mixing when two people have sex. There are also female condoms.

Contraception
Some types of contraception – like condoms – offer protection from both unplanned pregnancy and STIs, while others – such as hormonal contraceptives, like birth control pills – are designed specifically to reduce the risk of unplanned pregnancy. Learn about all of your choices.

Dating Violence
Dating violence occurs frequently in relationships. It's important to remember that if you are being abused you are not alone. There are resources to help you. Look through these pages for information about dating violence.

Emergency Contraception
Learn how to safely prevent pregnancy—up to five days after unprotected sex!!!

HIV and AIDS
HIV doesn't discriminate. It doesn't care who you are - black, Latina, Native American, Asian, straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. Anyone can become infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, because it's not who you are but what you do that puts you at risk for getting HIV.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Did you know that there are more than 15 million new cases of STIs a year? Did you know there are nearly four million STIs among teens and over six million STIs among youth ages 20 to 24 a year? Did you know that young women and female adolescents are more susceptible to STI, compared to their male counterparts, due to their anatomy? This feature is designed to provide you with the latest "411" on sexually transmitted infections and ways to protect yourself. Check it out.

Teen Pregnancy
Each year, almost 750,000 teenage women aged 15-19 become pregnant.[1] And each year, 750,000 dreams are deferred, perhaps, never to be attained. Of the 750,000 teenage pregnancies that occur each year, the majority occur in women of color. Read more about teen pregnancy in this section.

And don't forget to checkout our checkup checklist for a healthy start to a New Year!