Teen Pregnancy

Teen PregnancyBy: Myrna Martinez 4thpd. U.S. Teen Pregnancy rate remains highest in developed worldTeen Pregnancy rates in the United States have fallen in recent years, but the country still has a higher rate than any other developed country, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

EducationHealth professionals assure that Lack of education is the problem. This includes education from parents, teachers, and health care providers.Communication needs to start early in the preteen years before the teen initiates sexual activities.

Does 16 & Pregnant Prevent or Promote Teen Pregnancy?Four years into 16 & Pregnants run, teen pregnancy rates are at a low record. This show was designed by MTV to show viewers what life as a pregnant teen was really like. MTV always promotes a website called StayTeen.org to encourage teens to live their teen years and avoid responsibilities. Parents and educators worried that this reality series glamorized teen pregnancy.

Teen Mom Reality ShowTeen Mom is another reality show that MTV created to show the life's of the same 16 & Pregnant teens after the baby showers are over and the reality of life with a baby sets in. A typical episode of the show follows the new teen moms as they fight with the fathers of their children (many of whom have now left them), fight with their parents (who are usually supporting them), struggle financially and to finish their degree. Many watch their friends enjoy prom and college with out them.

Disease Control & Prevention The access to contraception does not encourage sexual activity. It allows pregnancy prevention for teens who decide to sexually active, the morning-after pill may help, but what mainly helps is the education on delaying sexual activity or using contraception.

Birth Control Pills The most recent controversy seemed from the Federal governments refusal in December 2012 to allow emergency contraceptive pills to be sold over the counter to girls age 16 and younger.

Teen Pregnancy high dropoutsThe relationship between teen pregnancy and education goes in both directions. Teenagers who become pregnant are more likely to drop out of school. Also, children of teen mothers are less likely to graduate from high school than children whose parents were older at the time of childbearing. Educational goals can also reduce the likelihood of teen pregnancy.

Trends in Teen PregnancyIn 2012, there were 29.4 births for every 1,000 teen females ages 15-19. Birth rates indicates a decline of six percent from 2011 when the birth rate was 31.3 for every 1,000. Almost one in five (18 percent) births to 15-19 year olds have more than one baby.

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