Protecting Our Girls: Educating Teens on Women's Health

Written By Eli Harbaugh

The Challenges Our Daughters Face

Raising a teenage daughter is both rewarding and challenging. One moment, she’s curled up on the couch watching Netflix with you, and the next, she’s navigating pressures that we never imagined facing at her age. Today’s teens face more complex health challenges than ever before, ranging from mental health struggles and risky peer influences to pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

According to the World Health Organization, more than one in seven adolescents globally experience mental disorders, with depression, anxiety, and behavioral issues being the most common (World Health Organization, 2021). At the same time, adolescent pregnancy remains a major concern, with roughly 12 million girls aged 15 to 19 giving birth each year (WHO, 2024). And according to the CDC, nearly one in five new HIV diagnoses in the U.S. were among youth aged 13–24 (CDC, 2022).

These numbers aren’t just statistics. They are reminders of the very real pressures our daughters face. As moms, our role is to guide them with empathy, provide reliable information, and create an environment where no topic is off-limits. This is at the heart of womens health Lorain County efforts, which focus on empowering mothers to support their teens through every stage of life.

Why Talking About Health Can’t Wait

If you’ve ever had your daughter roll her eyes at you mid-conversation, you know that teens don’t always want to listen. But here’s the thing: even if she acts annoyed, she is still listening. Starting conversations about health early and often gives her the tools she needs before she’s in a risky situation.

The key is to keep these talks open, honest, and judgment-free. Teens are more likely to hide things when they feel shame or fear. Instead of focusing only on “what not to do,” try centering the discussion around her well-being and goals. This shifts the focus from punishment to empowerment.

Here are a few practical conversation starters that help break the ice:

  • Friend groups: “I’ve noticed your friends are really important to you. How do you feel when you’re with them?”

  • Mental health: “High school can be stressful. What’s been weighing on your mind lately?”

  • STIs & pregnancy: “A lot of teens your age are dealing with relationship pressures. Do you feel like you know how to protect yourself if things get serious?”

  • Body changes: “Your body’s been going through a lot of changes. Do you have any questions you haven’t wanted to ask yet?”

These small, casual prompts open the door for deeper conversations without making her feel cornered. They also align with the kind of parenting advice many moms wish they had received themselves.

The Risks Are Real, But So Is Support

It’s important to acknowledge the specific risks teens face, but without turning the conversation into a lecture. For example, the WHO reports that pregnancy-related complications are a leading cause of death among girls aged 15 to 19 (WHO, 2024). The CDC also warns that STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea are most common among younger women under 25 (CDC, 2023). And beyond physical health, the American Psychological Association notes that teens today report record levels of anxiety and depression (APA, 2022).

Instead of focusing only on the dangers, moms can reframe these risks as opportunities to support and prepare their daughters. If your teen knows that you won’t panic when she brings up a sensitive topic, she’s more likely to confide in you when it matters. This is where your calm, steady presence makes all the difference.

By emphasizing that womens health isn’t just about avoiding problems, but about building a stronger, safer future, you help your daughter see you as a partner, not an authority figure. This is true empowerment, and it speaks to the importance of womens empowerment Lorain County programs that focus on giving moms the knowledge and tools to better support their teens.

Concrete Ways to Support Your Teen

Moms often ask, “But what do I actually do to help?” Here are five specific, actionable steps you can take to support your daughter’s health journey:

  1. Schedule a confidential doctor’s visit. Encourage her to see a healthcare provider who understands adolescent needs. This could include a conversation about sexual health, mental health screening, or simply answering her questions in a private, professional setting.

  2. Model healthy friendships. Show her by example what supportive relationships look like, and help her recognize when a friend group is creating pressure or harm.

  3. Provide resources, not just rules. Share websites like the CDC’s teen health pages or local women’s health clinics, so she can access accurate health resources Lorain County families rely on.

  4. Teach her how to manage stress. Try activities together like yoga, journaling, or regular walks. These skills give her practical ways to handle anxiety or peer pressure.

  5. Keep conversations ongoing. Instead of one “big talk,” check in regularly. Short, frequent chats feel less intimidating and normalize health discussions.

These steps move beyond generic “support” and give your daughter the tools she needs to take ownership of her health. They also help prepare her in case she ever faces the challenges of teen pregnancy, making sure she knows she has options and support.

Creating a Home Where Honesty Lives

At the end of the day, the most powerful thing we can do is create a home environment where health conversations feel natural, not forced. That means showing your daughter that no topic is too awkward, and no mistake is too big to talk about. When she knows she can come to you without fear of being judged, she’s far more likely to open up about what she’s really going through.

You don’t need to be a medical expert or have all the answers. What matters is being approachable and consistent. Even if your daughter pushes back or seems uninterested, don’t give up. Over time, these small conversations build trust.

Here’s the truth: our daughters don’t need perfect moms. They need moms who show up, listen without judgment, and remind them they are worthy of care, respect, and a healthy future. That is the essence of womens empowerment, teaching our daughters to value themselves and their health for years to come.

Sources

  • American Psychological Association. (2022). Stress in America: Teens and mental health. https://www.apa.org

Need support during your pregnancy? Contact your local Lorain County pregnancy center today to learn about available resources and services.

Eli Harbaugh
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