Concept Paper on the Experiences of Teenage Pregnancy in the South Bronx

Concept Paper on the Experiences of Teenage Pregnancy in the South Bronx

Background

Teenage pregnancy is also referred as adolescent pregnancy. The term teenage pregnancy more commonly includes girls of thirteen to seventeen years old. There are different interpretations of teenage pregnancies in different countries. In many societies, teenage pregnancy is considered inappropriate. On the other side, there are a few societies in the world where teenage pregnancy is considered a norm. Teenage pregnancy, in developed countries particularly, is considered a barrier to participation in society. In order to limit the number of teenage pregnancies, various studies have been conducted. The United States has the highest rate of teenage pregnancy. The rate of teenage pregnancy in the South Bronx is twice as higher as any other country. From, 1991 to 2005, there was a slight decline in teenage pregnancy in the United States. However, a recent increase has reversed the pattern of decline (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, (OECD), 2012).

Currently, every one girl out of seven girls in the United States becomes pregnant between the ages of fifteen and nineteen. A majority of these pregnancies is unintended. Teenage girls who become pregnant are less likely to complete their education. Due to teenage pregnancy, these girls are also less likely to participate in the economic development of the country. The highest teenage pregnancy rates are exclusively in the South of the United States. In the United States, teenage pregnancy has become an ongoing concern. Teenage pregnancy involves diverse physical challenges. In order to raise a child, financial commitment is also required. All these challenges and requirements interfere with the social and economic development of teenage mothers (Tamkins, 2004). Teenage pregnancy also creates problems for infants. Most of children of these pregnancies grow up fatherless. These children grow up in poverty. They also suffer from neglect and abuse. In the United States, teenage pregnancy has risen steadily from early 1970s to early 1990s. However, by 1990 and 1991, the rate of teenage pregnancy started to decline. According to recent research conducted on teenage pregnancy, this decrease in teenage pregnancy can be attributable to increased contraceptive use. On the other hand, the decrease in teenage pregnancy among teenagers of 15 to 17 years old is attributable to reduced sexual activity. From 2005 to 2006, rates of teenage pregnancy and birth, as well as rates of abortion have increased. It is difficult to tell whether this fluctuation is short term or long lasting. The preliminary data of the year 2007 illustrate a further increase in the birthrate among teenagers as well as women of age 20 to 24 (Tamkins, 2004). Guttmacher Institute (2004) revealed that 60 percent of girls have their first sexual intercourse before their 13th birthday.

Source: Philip, (2007), http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/downloads/pdf/ms/philip-m-alberti.pdf

Factors Associated with Teenage Pregnancy

A number of factors are associated with teenage pregnancies in South Bronx. These factors include peer pressure, exposure to sexualized media, and access to ...