Teen Pregnancy

When the topic of teen pregnancy is brought to the forefront, there are many opinions about its position in America. Many cannot determine whether or not Teen pregnancy should be considered an American tragedy or simply a preventable epidemic. In order to begin to understand the position teen pregnancy plays in America, society must understand the challenges that the mother as well as those around her undergo, the differences in cultural beliefs that are directly related to fluctuating teen pregnancy rates, and pregnancy prevention methods available to teen girls.

        The effects of becoming a teen mother are endless. There are numerous effects on society, the teen’s family, the teen and the baby. Teen pregnancy negatively effects the national economy.  This effect is mainly caused by teen dropout rates which causes a significant amount of income loss. Teen pregnancy costs U.S. taxpayers about $11 billion per year due to increased health care and foster care, increased incarceration rates among children of teen parents, and lost tax revenue because of lower educational attainment and income among teen mothers. The teen’s family also undergoes pressure. The family may experience emotional impact regarding coping with the upcoming new addition. Children who are born to teen mothers also experience a wide range of problems. The effects on the infant can range from low birth weight and higher risk for infant mortality to lower levels of emotional support and cognitive stimulation.

It is commonly known that the past repeats itself in some shape or form. This notable fact aids in the understanding of the cultural changes that lead to the spike in teenage pregnancy rates. Teen pregnancy has been on a long term decline since the late 1950s. Despite this decline, the United States teenage birth rates still remain the highest among other civilized countries. A main cultural change that is directly related to teen pregnancy today is the newly formed hook-up generation. Today’s youth view sex not as a tool for reproduction but as a means of having fun.

Although times have changed, there are many ways to prevent teen pregnancy. There are birth controls methods, programs and initiatives that are providing support and guidance needed to lead young girls down the right path. Starting May 6, 2015, nationwide teens are expected to participate in National day. National day is a series of events scheduled to happen during the month of May to promote teen pregnancy prevention. This “National Day” is said to be created because too many teens find it hard to believe that the possibility of becoming a teen mother could happen to them. It is understandable that the concept of teen pregnancy could be hard for a young, naive mind to grasp. One does not normally find it easy to put themselves in another’s shoes. The National Day is expected to help teens understand that it is very possible for it to happen to them and to help teens to begin thinking what they would do if it did happen to them. It is also expected for National Day to provide better understanding of Teen pregnancy prevention methods. Some Pregnancy prevention methods include birth control, condoms, and abstinence. Birth control can be taken in the form of a pill or even an implant. Condoms are only 99.9% effective. The purposes of condoms are prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. However, the possibilities of that condom failing are endless. The only way to truly be sure one is protected against sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy is to practice abstinence. Although, it is unlikely for the youth of today’s society to practice abstinence, there are many programs that are currently working to fight teen pregnancy. The President’s Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiative funds medically accurate and age-appropriate programs that reduce teen pregnancy and associated risk behaviors and covers costs associated with administering and evaluating the program. The initiative sponsors community wide programs that educate teen girls ages 15-19 on the importance of postponing premarital sex and the causes and effects of teen pregnancy. These programs have an exclusive focus on girls of minority groups, mainly because they currently have the highest rates in America.