TEENAGE PREGNANCY

Teenage Pregnancy

Abstract

Teenage pregnancies and teenage child birth are considered premature in developing countries. Teenage pregnancy has negative implications for teenage mothers, teenage fathers, children, and the overall society. There are various factors which are associated with the occurrence of teenage pregnancy. These factors include individual factors, family influences, educational level, the socio-economic status of the community, and ethnicity. The United States has recently witnessed a decline in teenage pregnancies, births, and abortion rates. Despite of this decline, the rate of teenage pregnancies is highest in the United States. The recent decline in teenage pregnancies, in the United States, is due to an increase in the use of contraceptive by sexually active teenagers.

Table of Contents

Abstractii

Introduction1

Discussion2

Historical Background of Teenage Pregnancy in the United States2

Teenage Pregnancy Rates and Trends2

Use of Contraceptive3

Factors Associated with Teenage Pregnancy3

Individual Factors4

Family Influences4

Neighborhood5

Race/Ethnicity and Socioeconomic Status5

Consequences of Teenage Pregnancy7

Consequences for Mothers7

Consequences for Teenage Fathers7

Consequences for Children8

Consequences for the Society8

Conclusion9

References10

Teenage Pregnancy

Introduction

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 United States 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. 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 (Klepinger et al, 1999). 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.

Discussion

Historical Background of Teenage Pregnancies in the United States

Historically, sexual activities and pregnancies outside of wedlock were strictly forbidden in the United States. However, in the twentieth century, the role of women in the United States began to change. A decrease in the age of puberty coupled with an increase in the age of marriage has created an environment where teenagers ...