Teenage pregnancy

Although recently movies like Juno have glamorized teen pregnancy and offered alternatives to abortion, society and the government generally frown upon it. Teenage pregnancy rates went down for decades, until a recent surge resulted in the rate going up, according to President Obama. He is alarmed as teenage pregnancy costs $7 billion annually. He promises to do something about it. Meanwhile, teens observe their own mothers or other single mothers in the workplace, and think, why not me?

Teenage pregnancy statistics

It is the old dilemma about how to deal with curious teenagers about sex. Sex education or abstinence? How can we dare to be hypocrites?

One in three U.S. teen girls are expected to get pregnant at least once before 20 years old. Teenage pregnancy has vital consequences for teen girls and teen boys. Having a baby when a teen alters the future for both boy and girl. College education usually is put on hold, and instead of growing up and experiencing life, the teens must face the financial burden of raising a child. When they do not even know themselves, they must educate others.

Effects of teenage pregnancy

When a teen girl finds out she is pregnant, she and the father face difficult decisions. No longer is the girl shipped off to a halfway house. She may or may not involve her parents in the decision. Some teens decide to have the child and put it up for adoption. They meet the parents and can feel guilt-free that they are doing the right thing for the baby and themselves.

Some teens decide to keep the baby, and get married. Other times, the grandparents raise the child, allowing the mother to pursue her education. The extended family has worked well in this situation and others in modern times where the traditional nuclear family has fallen apart. However, it should be noted that children of teenage pregnancy face greater risk of poverty, behavioral problems, poor academic performance, incarceration and further teen pregnancy.

Some teens choose to end their teenage pregnancy through abortion. However, this can be problematic for teens in states where parents must be informed before an abortion can be performed.

Teen pregnancy can also be difficult on the fathers. It can strain the relationship with his girlfriend and with her parents. It alters his future because he must support the child, and cannot go to college to better himself.

Teenage pregnancy is a serious issue, and all sides of the problem must be considered before a decision is made. If you cannot talk to your parents, seek counseling or a third party to air all sides. It's a life-altering decision, and must be thought about.

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