WWLP reports "GLOUCESTER, Mass. (WWLP) In the well known fishing city of Gloucester, north of Boston, school and health officials are concerned about an alarming jump in the number of teen pregnancies at Gloucester High School.
17 female students are pregnant this year, which is more than three times the typical rate of four per year.
In Springfield, where pregnancies rates are the second highest in the state, Adjustment Counselor, Elizabeth Wood, said cultural issues are many times what lead to teen pregnancy in the city.
Wood contends some teens might get pregnant on purpose to stay in a relationship or to feel unconditional love.
She reminds parents to talk openly with their children about sex and pregnancy and let them know you are there for them no matter what. "