A pastor at GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin’s church, Wasilla Bible in Alaska, entered the growing American debate over the pregnancy of the national political newcomer’s 17-year-old daughter.

Here is what Brown told Newsweek:

Teenage pregnancy “is not so uncommon up here,” adds Brown. “It’s easier to accept in Alaska. Maybe it’s part of Alaska mentality. In many ways, you raise your kids to assume a lot more responsibilities, than people do around the nation at an earlier age.”

As it turns out Alaska ranks 30th in teen pregnancy.