ABC Daytime, National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy Partner to Tell "One Life To Live" Storyline

Friday, March 07, 2008 -- ABC Daytime continues a decade-long relationship with The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. ABC Daytime has joined forces with The National Campaign to tell the story of "One Life to Live's" 16-year-old character Starr Manning's (Kristen Alderson) first sexual experience. The National Campaign stands as a leader in efforts to educate teens and adults alike on the subject of preventing teen pregnancy.

"In telling the story of Starr having sex for the first time, we are tackling an issue that has been covered very prominently in both entertainment and the media," said executive producer Frank Valentini. "ABC Daytime has a long history of entertaining while informing. Using the strong foundation of a core character like Starr Manning, we will be able to explore the inevitable repercussions of her actions while taking the audience on an emotional journey and hopefully prompting discussion among our viewers."

"We are thrilled to be working with 'One Life to Live' and ABC Daytime as this important story unfolds," said Marisa Nightingale, senior director of Media and Youth Programs at the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. "What Starr and Cole are going through touches on very important and familiar themes for parents and teens across the country: love, sex, serious relationships and the adult consequences that follow. This story gives parents the perfect opportunity to start conversations with their teens and to express their own views and values. Talking with their teens is one of the most protective things parents can do-they simply need the right way to get started, and here it is," said Nightingale. "I applaud 'One Life to Live' for telling this compelling story in a way that is both entertaining and educational. For a decade now, our Campaign has worked in partnership with ABC Daytime to help viewers start important family discussions around what's happening with their favorite characters. This story promises to give all of us a lot to talk about. Look for discussion guides, free tips for parents, facts and other resources at www.thenationalcampaign.org."

ABC Daytime first partnered with The National Campaign in 1998 for the telling of Jessica's story on "OLTL" and again for Lulu's pregnancy on "General Hospital." The partnership with The National Campaign includes:

* Statistics and facts on teen pregnancy and the prevention of which will be included in the story.

* A weekly blog with actress Kristen Alderson beginning Friday, March 7, following the East Coast broadcast of "OLTL," entitled "Start Talking with Kristen" (www.onelifetolive.com). Kristen will discuss Starr's story each week from her own perspective.

* The NCPTP will provide important facts and discussion information to help parents and teens start a dialogue that will be updated each week with the "Start Talking with Kristen" blog.

"I'm Starr's age and I'm definitely not ready," said Kristen Alderson. "Think about sex and decide how important it is to you. I don't feel the need to rush. If you decide to start having sex, know that you can get pregnant. You can always say 'no,' even if you've said 'yes' before-it's your decision."

Emmy Award-winning "One Life to Live," created by Agnes Nixon, was launched July 15, 1968. Frank Valentini executive-produces. Ron Carlivati is the headwriter. The popular drama consistently ranks among the top five in the key demographic of Women 18-49. "One Life to Live" airs MONDAY-FRIDAY (2:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization supported largely by private donations. The National Campaign's goal is to improve the lives and future prospects of children and families and, in particular, to help ensure that children are born into stable, two-parent families who are committed to and ready for the demanding task of raising the next generation.

Source: ABC

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