Teenage Pregnancy & Prevention

When a teen becomes pregnant, it often creates a massive disruption of her school and social life. Barely old enough to take care of herself, she is faced with the dilemma of taking care of another. Due to the consequences of teen pregnancy, parents and teens are urged to educate themselves about teen pregnancy and ways of preventing it.

  1. Teen Pregnancy Facts

    • According to the Guttmacher Institute, a worldwide study reveals that sexually active teens between the ages of 15 and 19 are more likely not to use contraceptives than those between the ages of 20 and 49. This is largely because teens either cannot afford contraception, feel embarrassed, or don't know how to use it properly. The improper use of contraception and the fact that teenage girls tend to be more fertile than adult women are inevitable contributors to teenage pregnancy.

      Unprotected sex among teens often results in the contraction of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), teen girls between ages 15 and 19 had the highest rate of chlamydia. More girls are infected with chlamydia than boys. However, this can be attributed to the fact that more females are medically screened than males. In the U.S., the Western and Southeastern states have the highest rate of chlamydia infection. The human papilloma virus (HPV) is frequently found in girls between 14 and 19 years old, and represents 50 percent of the STDs detected in teens.

    Parental Prevention

    • As a parent, there are several steps you can take to help prevent your teen from becoming pregnant. Develop a bond with your teen so communication flows easily between you. This allows her to feel more comfortable discussing heavy subject matters, such as teen pregnancy. Warn her about the dangers of unsafe sex and educate her about the diseases and unplanned pregnancy that can occur as a result. Keep an eye out for changes in her behavior, such as close relationships with the opposite sex or a decrease in activities that she would otherwise enjoy. Teach her the importance of not succumbing to peer pressure, and stay abreast of who her friends are. Teach your teen to value herself.

    Organizational Prevention

    • Growing concern over teenage pregnancy has caused the United States government to pay close attention to the issue. As a result, there are several organizations that provide valuable resources pertaining to teen pregnancy. The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, founded in 1996, strives to lower the teen pregnancy rate by one-third. They are also affiliated with Stayteen.org-- a site dedicated to teen pregnancy. Additionally, Adolescent Family Life Demonstration and Research, founded in 1981, promotes the importance of practicing abstinence. This organization is affiliated with the Department of Health and Human Services.

    Abstinence

    • For many decades, the STD and childbearing rate among teens have consistently skyrocketed. In an effort to control this problem, the government approved abstinence education programs. By providing a platform advocating personal responsibility and enduring marital commitment, these programs have been successful in reducing the sexual activity and childbearing rates among teens. Teens should be aware that abstaining from sexual intercourse is the surest method of preventing teen pregnancy.

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