J E N N I F E R G R A N I L L O

Teen Pregnancy

Introduction

The United States has the highest rates of teen pregnancy among developed countries, but rates are declining.

The National Institute of Health defines teen pregnancy as pregnancy occurring in young women aged 19 or younger.

3 in 10 teens get pregnant by the age of 20, which means about 745,000 teens become pregnant each year.

82% of teen pregnancies are unplanned; teens account for about one-fifth of all unintended pregnancies annually.

In 2008, 59% of pregnancies among 15–19-year-olds ended in birth and 26% in abortion.

Approximately 25% of teen mothers have a second child within two years of the first birth.

Causes

High rate of sexual activityLack of knowledgeLack of access to contraceptivesLack of parental guidance and

supervisionPeer pressureGlamorization of teen pregnancy

Let’s Talk About Sex

47% of all high school students reported having hadsexual intercourse34% of all high school students reported being

sexually active15% of high school students reported having already

had four or more sexual partners60% of sexually active students reported using a

condom the last time they had sex, and 18% of sexually active students reported using birth control pills the last time they had sex

Concerns for the Mother

Higher health risks:AnemiaPregnancy-induced hypertensionCervical cancerMiscarriagePreeclampsiaPost-partum depression

Concerns for the Mother

Education and Financial Sacrifices: Less than half of teen mothers ever graduate from high school

and fewer than 2% earn a college degree by age 30Lower education leaves less job opportunities  Lower salary may lead to povertyRaising a baby can cost up to $10,000 in the first year alone

Concerns for the Mother

More Consequences: Feeling alone and isolatedLow self-esteem  Loss of freedomForced to grow up fasterUnsupportive familyNot ready for the responsibility of motherhood

Where’s the Father?

8 out of 10 teen fathers don't marry the motherTeen dads pay less than $800 a YEAR for child supportHave to deal with an unhealthy relationship with the

father if they both share custody for at least the next 18 years

Staying together for the baby can cause tension and financial stress

Concerns for the Infant

Health risks Fetal distress SIDS (Sudden Infant Death

Syndrome) Born prematurely Developmental disabilities Low birth weight

Proper care Parenting problems Abuse Neglect

Concerns for the Child

School issuesBehavioral problemsPoverty

Concerns for the Adolescent

DelinquencyTeen Pregnancy CycleRelationship IssuesUnconventional Family Styles

Concerns for the Economy

The negative economic effect that teen pregnancy has on young mothers also impacts the nation’s economy as a whole.

Most teens are unable to pay for health care for their baby or even for some of the most basic necessities like diapers, clothing, and food.

Federal government programs were designed to help pregnant teens like Women, Infant, Children (WIC)

80% of unmarried teen mothers end up on welfare.Teenage pregnancy deters increased education and leads to a

significant amount of lost earnings.

According to The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, teen childbearing costs taxpayers at least $10.9 billion in 2008.

Most of the costs of teen childbearing are associated with negative consequences for the children of teen mothers, including increased costs for health care, foster care, incarceration, and lost tax revenue.

Concerns for Society

Concerns for Society

Early pregnancy and childbearing is linked to a host of other critical social issues such as poverty, health, and education. Poverty Babies Well-Being Education Crime The Report’s Primary Findings

Prevention

Reduce or delay the onset of sexual activityIncrease teens’ motivation and negotiation skills Open the lines of communicationDiscuss the consequences of sexSupport comprehensive sex education programsProvide factual information about contraceptivesImprove access to contraceptivesEncourage use of effective contraceptives

Don’t be a statistic!

Discussion Questions

What do you think about the portrayal of teen pregnancy in television shows and movies? How have they influenced your own sexual attitudes and behaviors?