The numbers fail to surprise Dr. Park Chittom Sr., a doctor in Dallas County.

According to the latest census figures, Dallas County has the seventh-highest number of low-weight births in the state. It has the second highest number of births to unmarried teens.

Chittom said the problem has existed in the Black Belt area for many years, a problem which he summed up in three words &045;&045;

lack of guidance.

Chittom said many young women living in the Black Belt area who become pregnant during their teen-age years see a life that is hopeless, a life that will never improve,

a life that will never get better.

Karah Chandler, a prevention education specialist with the SABRA sanctuary, a local organization dedicated to helping victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, as well providing education to reduce unwanted teen-age pregnancies, said that young women who are pregnant have options that will prevent low-weight births.

Chandler said the Dallas County Health Department offers free services for women, who are faced with pregnancy, including free tests and advice on how to have a successful pregnancy.

Chandler added that another problem lies with parents, who need to communicate more with their children about the consequences of having sexual activity without using proper birth control.