How many "virgin births" in the USA?

Quite a lot apparently....................................... :confused::rolleyes::eek::boggled::eye-poppi:jaw-dropp:covereyes

At least according to a study in the BMJ.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Objective To estimate the incidence of self report of pregnancy without sexual intercourse (virgin pregnancy) and factors related to such reporting, in a population representative group of US adolescents and young adults.

OK......

Quote:

Originally Posted by Results 45 women (0.5%) reported at least one virgin pregnancy unrelated to the use of assisted reproductive technology. Although it was rare for dates of sexual initiation and pregnancy consistent with virgin pregnancy to be reported, it was more common among women who signed chastity pledges or whose parents indicated lower levels of communication with their children about sex and birth control.

Highlighting mine.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Conclusions Around 0.5% of women consistently affirmed their status as virgins and did not use assisted reproductive technology, yet reported virgin births. Even with numerous enhancements and safeguards to optimize reporting accuracy, researchers may still face challenges in the collection and analysis of self reported data on potentially sensitive topics.

The phrase "well duh" inexorably bubbles to the surface of my mind.

Though I'm surprised 1/200 women think this method of accounting for their pregnancy will work, other than with the hardcore gullible god botherers.



I leave the rest of the study for your delectation.





Mod note: I'm not sure if R&P is the right sub-forum for this, but it seemed the most plausible.

via JREF Forum http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=270533&goto=newpost