TEENAGE PREGNANCY

Teenage Pregnancy

Introduction

The social issue which has been selected is Teenage Pregnancy. The teenage pregnancy is considered in many countries as a serious public health problem. Teenage mothers are less likely to finish school and more likely to have career opportunities and financial limited. In addition, their babies are more likely to be born prematurely, have a low birth weight, or die during their first year of life. The annual rate of teenage pregnancy is the number of pregnancies occurring in a particular age group for 1000 adolescents. The number of pregnancies includes live births, stillbirths and abortions (Darroch, 1999).

Discussion

It is considered "teen pregnancy" that occurs in women younger than 19 years and usually results from not using contraception and not because they voluntarily sought. And young people begin too early to experiment with their bodies and sex, and are not fully aware of the consequences of not practicing it safely can condition the rest of his life. And we do not refer only to get pregnant too early, but also to sexually transmitted diseases, some of which can become very serious and fatal consequences (Brewster, 1994).

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 are capable of reproduction before the level of maturity required for parenthood (Barber, 1996). With these policy changes, teenagers can have sex without seeking permission from their parents and use contraception. These policies have also allowed teenagers to perform an abortion when required. Teenage pregnancy was not considered a problem until the 1970. There are several factors which explain why less attention was given to teenage pregnancy before the 1970. Menarche is an important factor in this regard. In the nineteenth century, the average age of menarche was 14 or 15 years. However, the age of menarche is gradually decreasing in the country (Mayor, 2004).

Teenage Pregnancy Rates and Trends

In the United States, teenage pregnancy has risen steadily from early 1970 to early 1990. 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 (Darroch, 1999). 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 (Moore et al, 1999).

Moreover, the pregnancy of a teen is considered high risk, as ...