pregnancy prevention essay

Teen Pregnancy: Causes, Effects and Prevention Essay

Introduction, socioeconomic effects.

Teenage pregnancy is the pregnancy of underage girls during their adolescent period, normally between the ages of 13 to 19 but this range varies depending on the age of the menarche and the legal age of adulthood, which varies from one country to another. The rate of teen pregnancy is on the rise world wide due to changing lifestyles and increased fertility rate hence raising lot of social and economic concerns in the society.

The possible causes and predisposing factors of teenage pregnancies are early marriages, sexual activity during adolescence, inadequate sex education, sexual abuse, pornography, drug abuse, lower education levels, and high poverty levels.

Teenage pregnancies results into the dropouts of the teenage girls from schools. The dropouts mostly affect high school girls due to the dominant peer pressure factors and inadequate sex education.

The education of teenage a girl is significantly affected because she must drop out of school in order to prepare and take care of her baby. Statistics shows that, the teenage pregnancy is the major reason for the young girls’ dropouts in high school. These dropouts have great negative impacts on the education potential and the bright future of the girl child.

Teenage pregnancies are prone to many obstetrics complications as compared to mature women due to physiological and morphological factors. These complications demands extra healthcare attention that is very expensive, especially to the poor families. There are also serious health’s risks associated with teen pregnancies that can permanently affect the health of a teenage mother if there is no consultation of a professional obstetrician during delivery.

Social stigma and stress negatively affects the self-esteem of a pregnant teenage. When a teenage becomes pregnant, she develops fears about unplanned pregnancy, becomes frustrated, and begins to lose self-esteem and hope, as it seems to her that she has reached a premature destiny of her life.

The pregnant teen has fears of disclosing her pregnancy to any one not even his boyfriend who impregnates her, because she is worried about what they will say about her pregnancy condition. She develops stigma and confusion wondering on what kind of image she will portray to his friends, family, and teachers. She contemplates on the options of either disclosing the bad news and keep her pregnancy or keep the secret and do abortion.

Schools are required to develop programs and workshops that will provide opportunity to the students to develop their youth positively and become busy as idle minds are devils workshops.

Drug abuse and pornography should not be allowed in school because it encourages early sexual activity in teens. Girls need skills on how to avoid and protect themselves against predisposing factors and situations that prove to be very dangerous to their safety. Sex education will enable girls make their informed decisions and be responsible to their own actions and consequences.

Teen pregnancy is a major problem affecting girl child education worldwide. The increased teenage pregnancy rate is due to the change in lifestyles such as availability of pornography, drug abuse, peer pressure, increased fertility, and poverty.

Teenage pregnancy poses many challenges to the families and education system translating into serious socioeconomic problems in the society that need immediate attention to address. Teenagers are young and quite innocent on the consequences of teenage pregnancies, so they need proper parental and school guidance on the knowledge of sexuality and pregnancy.

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1. IvyPanda . "Teen Pregnancy: Causes, Effects and Prevention." November 2, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/teen-pregnancy/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Teen Pregnancy: Causes, Effects and Prevention." November 2, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/teen-pregnancy/.

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Teenage Pregnancy: Causes and Preventive Measures

• Categories: Teenage Pregnancy

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Published: Sep 7, 2023

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Causes of teenage pregnancy, preventive measures.

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Teen Pregnancy Prevention

Teenage pregnancy, problem analysis.

Teenage pregnancy is now recognized to be a major social issue because teenagers are now increasingly involving in sexual intercourse at an early age, creating severe complexities not only for themselves but also for the society at large. Associated problems include larger numbers of unmarried mothers and social and economic issues that are raised in meeting the challenges that emerge from such circumstances. Invariably, early pregnancy leads to devastating consequences for teenagers by way of adverse psychological and emotional impacts on them during and after pregnancy. In developed countries such as the US, the rates of teenage pregnancy were initially very high but have been declining in recent years.

Nevertheless, such rates are much higher than prevailing rates in other parts of the world and thus raise concerns about finding solutions in meeting the challenges emerging from the health problems and psychological status of teenage girls that give birth to children at such a young age. It is obvious that the problem needs to be resolved immediately before the numbers of teenage families escalate to uncontrollable levels. Teenage pregnancy is known to enhance risks for both the mother and the child. This paper holds that the programs directed so far towards reducing teenage pregnancy have not been very successful and major changes need to be made in social policies by including adoption of life options that provide education and job opportunities so that teens do not involve in unwanted and harmful sexual activities.

It is correct to say that teenage pregnancy has become a major area of social concern because larger numbers of teenagers across the world are engaging in sexual activities. When teenage girls become pregnant and give birth to children they not only create an unwarranted and untimely burden on themselves but also increase the burden on society, because young girls are not mature enough for bringing up children. In addition, by becoming mothers at an extremely young age they deprive themselves of education and expose themselves to economic and psychological hardships that prove to be detrimental to their overall development and future life.

According to DeRidder (1993), teenagers in America are more active sexually in comparison to teenagers in other countries. Given that larger numbers of teenagers are sexually active, there is a tendency amongst them to become parents at an early age, in addition to becoming more prone to giving birth to children in later years. Child Trends (2016) have come up with an influential and impressive pictorial representation of the problem of teen pregnancy (Figure 1), through which it is apparent that even though the rate of teen pregnancy in the US has declined in recent years, the current rate for the country is amongst the highest in the world, thus implying that major efforts need to be taken in further reducing the prevailing rates.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2017), which investigated teen pregnancy patterns in the US in 2015, “a total of 229,715 babies were born to women aged 15–19 years, for a birth rate of 22.3 per 1,000 women in this age group” (p.1). However, even though the rate at which teenage girls are giving birth has been declining over the years, the figure remains high in comparison to other countries of the world and causes severe social issues.

It emerges that it is crucial to discourage young girls from becoming mothers at an early age. In this regard, DeRidder (1993) asserted that in comparison to adult women, teenage mothers are more likely to develop medical complexities such as labor problems, toxemia, anemia and cervical cancer. Even though most teenage mothers do not get married, those that do marry tend to get divorced within a short time. Moreover, teenage mothers have a tendency of becoming pregnant more frequently in comparison to older women.

From another perspective, it is apparent from research carried out on the issue that developed nations have been characterized by higher rates of teenage pregnancy. The US has historically demonstrated the highest rates of teenage pregnancy in comparison to European nations. Environmental and social factors such as social disorganization and poverty, poor parental support and high rates of divorce are known to place teenage girls at higher risks of becoming pregnant. In addition, individual factors such as an early attainment of puberty, inability to cope with peers, aggressive behavior, the lack of future potential and poor academic performance also enhance risks of teenage pregnancy (Card, 1999).

Despite the attempts of governments to reduce risks of teenage pregnancy, problems persist on account of hurdles occurring in implementing pregnancy prevention evaluation programs effectively. Parent-child communication programs, curriculum-based programs and youth-focused programs have not been implemented efficiently in attaining the desired outcomes. Most of the ongoing mass media and community-based programs do not include the required curriculum. That is why evaluation programs face obstacles. Targeting initiatives do not reach the required target population that is at risk. Exhaustive attempts have not yet been made to identify the at-risk youth and many of these attempts are not successful because a high percentage of schools do not cooperate in implementing the programs.

According to Margolis and Roper (2014), many of the at-risk teens have earning responsibilities, because of which they do not get opportunities to participate in community programs directed at educating them about healthy and responsible sexual behaviors. Philliber (2015) has argued that many of the communication programs targeting parent-child relationships prove to be ineffective because many parents are not forthcoming in attending them. They claim that they are unable to attend such programs in view of their preoccupation in providing for the family.

Solutions to the issue of teen-pregnancy are best determined by evaluating the program characteristics that are most effective in different situations. It is important to carry out research in regard to evaluating the attitudes, knowledge levels and behavioral changes that occur after implementing ongoing intervention strategies (Stid, Neuhoff, Burkhauser, & Seeman, 2013). In effect, programs involving the change of attitudes and behaviors in the context of teenage perceptions towards sex need to focus on dealing with the circumstances and environment to which sexually promiscuous teenagers are exposed (Philliber, 2015).

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2017), “In 2015, a total of 229,715 babies were born to women aged 15–19 years, for a birth rate of 22.3 per 1,000 women in this age group. This is another record low for U.S. teens and a drop of 8% from 2014. Birth rates fell 9% for women aged 15–17 years and 7% for women aged 18–19 years” (p.1). It is apparent from Figure 2 that births given by teenage girls in the US have been consistently declining amongst different communities since 2007, but the fact remains that the number of births given by teenage girls in the US continues to be quite high, obviously highlighting the need to take urgent and proactive measures to reverse the trend.

Under the prevailing circumstances, the most ideal strategy for reducing the high rate of teenage pregnancy is to introduce sex education programs that should be applicable to young adolescents between the age of 10 to 19 years and to both primary school students and high school students. This program should be focused on educating young adolescents about their sexuality and about how they can abstain from sexual engagements until they are through with their education and are ready to raise a family.

This plan will be most effective because most of the teenagers engage in sex as they try to experiment and explore their sexuality and understand emotional changes that they experience during the adolescent period. According to James-Brightful (2015), due to the lack of appropriate guidance, they are also easily influenced by their peers to engage in sex and eventually end up getting pregnant.

This approach will succeed because it will equip the adolescents with knowledge on how to handle the pressure that comes along with peer influence and how to control their feelings and emotions in avoiding sexual engagements. Although unprotected sex is the main factor that contributes to teenage pregnancies, giving contraceptives to young adolescents is not a good solution at all because it will increase immorality among teenagers in creating hopes that contraceptives will save them from getting pregnant.

DeRidder (1993) has highlighted the significance of educational interventions because of the strong link between teenage pregnancy and low academic outcomes. Sex education programs providing information on contraceptive methods, abortion, family planning and human reproduction should be initiated in schools at an early age. In addition, parents should be encouraged to provide sex education to their children at an early age so that they are fully aware of the consequences of involving in early sexual behaviors.

Such initiatives should be supplemented with school sex education programs. According to SIECCAN (2007), sex and HIV education programs are very effective in making teenagers aware of the kind of sexual behaviors that they should adopt. This is best done through community involvement, health care referral, mentoring, and tutoring. Outreach activities and workshops should be organized with the involvement of families in order to remove teenagers’ reluctance to discuss sex.

Focus should also be made on organizing male-only programs where male facilitators motivate young boys to freely discuss sex-related issues. A major need is to deal with cultural sensitivity through family and community groups by involving culturally diverse staff that can deal with teenagers. In addition, programs focused on promoting future options for education and employment are effective in engaging youth in more constructive activities.

There are many benefits associated with validating the positive aspects of motherhood and pregnancy while providing teens with better options in developing and succeeding in life. Prevention programs focusing on the social environment by improving educational and employment opportunities will reduce teens’ focus on sexual activities, which will allow them to become responsible adults. Such programs will enable the youth to view sex more responsibly and to make decisions about sex and relationships in keeping with their circumstances within the wider context of society and family, thus creating conscientious and flourishing societies. Implementing the given suggestions will provide positive outcomes because a larger percentage of teenagers will be targeted.

Moreover, implementing these strategies does not require making legal arrangements such as those that are required in the context of abortion and use of contraceptives. In addition, costs in terms of human personnel, time and money can be easily met as they do not require massive deployment of personnel; what needs to be done is a change in a strategy, which will not entail heavy increase in costs. Nevertheless, irrespective of the costs involved, the benefits of using a new strategy will be substantial in the long run.

In effect, the extra cost will offset heavy economic social costs associated with raising and caring for newborn children and their mothers. It will considerably reduce the struggle experienced by single-parent families, especially under harsh economic conditions. In addition, it will help teenagers in avoiding adverse emotional and psychological effects emerging from early pregnancies. More importantly, they will also be able to continue with their education since they will have no family responsibilities. They can commit all their time to education and achieve better academic outcomes for themselves.

This paper has shown that teen pregnancy is a complicated social problem that is impacted by varied social, economic and cultural factors and is associated with wide-ranging moral perspectives. Teenagers are unaware of the adverse impacts of early pregnancy because of the lack of the required information about birth control and harm associated with sexual promiscuity, while their socio-economic environment may not provide the required facilities to deal with unwanted pregnancies.

Many teens that are sexually active do not use birth control measures regularly, which is why it is necessary to make interventions in providing them with the required information and support. A positive aspect about programs that deal with the problem of teenage pregnancy is that they allow teenagers to make better choices in respect of sexual health and decisions about pregnancy. Better educational and intervention programs directed at making teens realize the harmful impacts of early pregnancy will help them in adopting positive attitudes to their sexual life. In addition, given that such programs will be implemented under the watchful eyes of schools and families, their success rates will be higher.

However, it is important to note that a single organization cannot appropriately resolve all the problems associated with teenage pregnancy. The main objective of remedial programs should be to empower teenagers with the required skills and knowledge so that they can avoid unwanted pregnancies, while also exercising their liberty to make informed decisions that may also pertain to early pregnancy. In effect, it is required to use a varied mix of strategies such as providing the required resources and information, and supplementing them with support required by teens that are pregnant or those that are already mothers. The most effective strategies for dealing with the issue of teenage pregnancy are implemented with the involvement of schools, families, and communities.

Card, J. J. (1999). Teen pregnancy prevention: Do any programs work? Annual Review of Public Health, 20 (1), 257-285.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). About teen pregnancy .

Child Trends (2016). Teen pregnancy. Web.

DeRidder, L. M. (1993). Teenage pregnancy: Etiology and educational interventions. Educational Psychology Review, 5 (1), 87-107.

James-Brightful, M. (2015). Engage. Inspire. Prevent: Strategies for educating teens on sexual violence . New York, NY: SisterTrust.

Philliber, S. (2015). Evaluating teen pregnancy prevention programs: Decades of evolving strategies and practices. Societies, 5 (1), 631-645.

Margolis, A.L., & Roper, A.Y. (2014). Practical experience from the office of adolescent health’s large scale implementation of an evidence-based teen pregnancy prevention program. J. Adolesc. Health, 54 (1), S10–S14.

SIECCAN. (2007). Update report on teen pregnancy prevention .

Stid, D., Neuhoff, A., Burkhauser, L., & Seeman, B. (2013). What does it take to implement evidence-based practices? A teen pregnancy prevention program shows the way .

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What Can Be Done to Reduce Teen Pregnancy and Out-of-Wedlock Births?

Subscribe to the center for economic security and opportunity newsletter, isabel v. sawhill isabel v. sawhill senior fellow emeritus - economic studies , center for economic security and opportunity @isawhill.

October 1, 2001

• 18 min read

Why Focus on Teen Pregnancy?

Virtually all of the growth of single-parent families in recent decades has been driven by an increase in births outside marriage. Divorce rates have leveled off or declined modestly since the early 1980s and thus have not contributed to the rising proportion of children being raised by only one parent nor to the increase in child poverty and welfare dependence associated with the rise in single-parent families.

Not all non-marital births are to teen-agers. In fact, 70 percent of all births outside marriage are to women over age 20. For this reason, some argue that a focus on teens fails to address the real problem and that much more attention needs to be given to preventing childbearing, or raising marriage rates, among single women who have already entered their adult years.

But there are at least four reasons to focus on teens:

First, although a large proportion of non-marital births is to adult women, half of first non-marital births are to teens. Thus, the pattern tends to start in the teenage years, and, once teens have had a first child outside marriage, many go on to have additional children out of wedlock at an older age. A number of programs aimed at preventing subsequent births to teen mothers have been launched but few have had much success. So, if we want to prevent out-of-wedlock childbearing and the growth of single-parent families, the teenage years are a good place to start

Second, teen childbearing is very costly. A 1997 study by Rebecca Maynard of Mathematica Policy Research in Princeton, New Jersey, found that, after controlling for differences between teen mothers and mothers aged 20 or 21 when they had their first child, teen childbearing costs taxpayers more than $7 billion a year or $3,200 a year for each teenage birth, conservatively estimated.

Third, although almost all single mothers face major challenges in raising their children alone, teen mothers are especially disadvantaged. They are more likely to have dropped out of school and are less likely to be able to support themselves. Only one out of every five teen mothers receives any support from their child’s father, and about 80 percent end up on welfare. Once on welfare, they are likely to remain there for a long time. In fact, half of all current welfare recipients had their first child as a teenager.

Some research suggests that women who have children at an early age are no worse off than comparable women who delay childbearing. According to this research, many of the disadvantages accruing to early childbearers are related to their own disadvantaged backgrounds. This research suggests that it would be unwise to attribute all of the problems faced by teen mothers to the timing of the birth per se. But even after taking background characteristics into account, other research documents that teen mothers are less likely to finish high school, less likely to ever marry, and more likely to have additional children outside marriage. Thus, an early birth is not just a marker of preexisting problems but a barrier to subsequent upward mobility. As Daniel Lichter of Ohio State University has shown, even those unwed mothers who eventually marry end up with less successful partners than those who delay childbearing. As a result, even if married, these women face much higher rates of poverty and dependence on government assistance than those who avoid an early birth. And early marriages are much more likely to end in divorce. So marriage, while helpful, is no panacea.

Fourth, the children of teen mothers face far greater problems than those born to older mothers. If the reason we care about stemming the growth of single-parent families is the consequences for children, and if the age of the mother is as important as her marital status, then focusing solely on marital status would be unwise. Not only are mothers who defer childbearing more likely to marry, but with or without marriage, their children will be better off. The children of teen mothers are more likely than the children of older mothers to be born prematurely at low birth weight and to suffer a variety of health problems as a consequence. They are more likely to do poorly in school, to suffer higher rates of abuse and neglect, and to end up in foster care with all its attendant costs.

How Does Current Welfare Law Address Teen Pregnancy and Non-Marital Births?

The welfare law enacted in 1996 contained numerous provisions designed to reduce teen or out-of-wedlock childbearing including:

• A $50 million a year federal investment in abstinence education;
• A requirement that teen mothers complete high school or the equivalent and live at home or in another supervised setting;
• New measures to ensure that paternity is established and child support paid;
• A $20 million bonus for each of the 5 states with the greatest success in reducing out-of-wedlock births and abortions;
• A $1 billion performance bonus tied to the law’s goals, which include reducing out-of-wedlock pregnancies and encouraging the formation and maintenance of two-parent families;
• The flexibility for states to deny benefits to teen mothers or to mothers who have additional children while on welfare (no state has adopted the first but 23 states have adopted the second); and
• A requirement that states set goals and take actions to reduce out-of-wedlock pregnancies, with special emphasis on teen pregnancies.

Research attempting to establish a link between one or more of these provisions and teen out-of-wedlock childbearing has, for the most part, failed to find a clear relationship. One exception is child support enforcement, which appears to have had a significant effect in deterring unwed childbearing.

Are Teen Pregnancies and Births Declining?

Teen pregnancy and birthrates have both declined sharply in the 1990s (figure 1). The fact that these declines predated the enactment of federal welfare reform suggests that they were caused by other factors. However, it is worth noting that many states began to reform their welfare systems earlier in the decade under waivers from the federal government, so we cannot be sure. In addition, the declines appear to have accelerated in the second half of the decade after welfare reform was enacted. And finally, most of the decline in the early 1990s was the result of a decrease in second or higher order births to women who were already teen mothers. This decrease was related in part to the popularity of new and more effective methods of birth control among this group. It was not until the second half of the decade that a significant drop in first births to teens occurred.

Teen birthrates had also declined in the 1970s and early 1980s but in this earlier period all of the decline was due to increased abortion. Significantly, all of the teen birthrate decreases in the 1990s were due to fewer pregnancies, not more abortions.

Equally significant is the fact that teens are now having less sex. Up until the 1990s, despite some progress in convincing teens to use contraception, teen pregnancy rates continued to rise because an increasing number of teens were becoming sexually active at an early age, thereby putting themselves at risk of pregnancy. More recently, both better contraceptive use and less sex have contributed to the lowering of rates.

Given that four out of five teen births are to an unwed mother, this drop in the teen birthrate contributed to the leveling off of the proportion of children born outside marriage after 1994 (figure 2). More specifically, if teen birthrates had held at the levels reached in the early 1990s, by 1999 this proportion would have been more than a full percentage point higher. Thus, a focus on teenagers has a major role to play in future reductions of both out-of-wedlock childbearing and the growth of single-parent families.

What Caused the Decline in Teen Pregnancies and Births?

Although the immediate causes of the decline-less sex and more contraception-are relatively well established, it is less clear what might have motivated teens to choose either one. However, many experts believe it was some combination of greater public and private efforts to prevent teen pregnancy, the new messages about work and child support embedded in welfare reform, more conservative attitudes among the young, fear of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, the availability of more effective forms of contraception, and perhaps the strong economy.

Some of these factors have undoubtedly interacted, making it difficult to ever sort out their separate effects. For example, fear of AIDS may have made teenagers-males in particular, for whom pregnancy has traditionally been of less concern-more cautious and willing to listen to new messages. Indeed, as shown by Leighton Ku and his colleagues at the Urban Institute in Washington, D.C., the proportion of adolescent males approving of premarital sex decreased from 80 percent in 1988 to 71 percent in 1995. The Ku study also linked this shift in adolescent male attitudes to a change in their behavior.

The growth of public and private efforts to combat teen pregnancy may have also played a role, as suggested by surveys conducted by the National Governors’ Association, the General Accounting Office, the American Public Human Services Association, and most recently and comprehensively, by Child Trends. The Child Trends study, conducted by Richard Wertheimer and his associates at the Urban Institute, surveyed all 50 states in both 1997 and 1999. The survey shows that states have dramatically increased their efforts to reduce teen pregnancy (figure 3). These efforts include everything from the formation of statewide task forces to more emphasis on sex education in the public schools and statewide media campaigns. Although such efforts have been greatly expanded in recent years, they are still relatively small. State spending on teen pregnancy prevention averages only about $8 a year per teenaged girl. In addition to being small, such efforts may or may not be effective in preventing pregnancy. Fortunately, we know more about this topic now than we did even a few years ago.

Do Teen Pregnancy Prevention Programs Work?

The short answer is “yes, some do.” Based on a careful review of the scholarly literature completed by Douglas Kirby of ETR Associates in Santa Cruz, California, a number of rigorously evaluated programs have been found to reduce pregnancy rates. Two of these programs have reduced rates by as much as one-half. One is a program that involves teens in community service with adult supervision and counseling. The other includes a range of services such as tutoring and career counseling along with sex education and reproductive health services. Both have been replicated in diverse communities and evaluated by randomly assigning teens to a program and control group. In addition, a number of less intensive and less costly sex education programs have also been found to be effective in persuading teens to delay sex and/or use contraception. Such programs typically provide clear messages about the importance of abstaining from sex and/or using contraception, teach teens how to deal with peer pressure to have sex, and provide practice in communicating and negotiating with partners.

“Abstinence only” programs are relatively new and have not yet been subject to careful evaluation, although what research exists has not been encouraging. More importantly, the line between abstinence only and more comprehensive sex education that advocates abstinence but also teaches about contraception is increasingly blurred. What matters is not so much the label but rather what a particular program includes, what the teacher believes, and how that plays out in the classroom. A strong abstinence message is totally consistent with public values, but the idea that the federal government can, or should, rigidly prescribe what goes on in the classroom through detailed curricular guidelines makes little sense. Family and community values, not a federal mandate, should prevail, especially in an area as sensitive as this one.

Do Media Campaigns Work?

Community-based programs are only part of the solution to teen pregnancy. Indeed, only 10 percent of teens report they have participated in such a program (outside of school), while on average teens spend more than 38 hours a week exposed to various forms of entertainment media. By themselves, teen pregnancy prevention programs cannot change prevailing social norms or attitudes that influence teen sexual behavior. The increase in teen pregnancy rates between the early 1970s and 1990 was largely the result of a change in attitudes about the appropriateness of early premarital sex, especially for young women. As more and more teen girls put themselves at risk of an early pregnancy, pregnancy rates rose. More recently, efforts to encourage teens to take a pledge not to have sex before marriage have had some success in delaying the onset of sex.

In an attempt to influence these attitudes and behaviors, several national organizations as well as numerous states have turned to the media for assistance. Between 1997 and 1999 alone, the number of states conducting media campaigns increased from 15 to 36. Typically, such campaigns use both print and electronic media to reach large numbers of young people with messages designed to change their behavior. Such messages can be delivered via public service announcements (PSAs) or by working with the media to incorporate more responsible content into their ongoing programming. Most state efforts rely on PSA campaigns but several national organizations are working with the entertainment industry to affect content.

Research assessing the effectiveness of media campaigns is less extensive and less widely known than research evaluating community-based programs, but it shows that they, too, can be effective. A meta-analysis of 48 different health-related media campaigns from smoking cessation to AIDS prevention by Leslie Snyder of the University of Connecticut found that, on average, such campaigns caused 7 to 10 percent of those exposed to the campaign to change their behavior (relative to those in a control group). As with community-based programs, media campaigns vary enormously in their effectiveness and need to be designed with care. But existing evidence suggests that they are a good way to reach large numbers of teens inexpensively.

Are Efforts to Reduce Teen Pregnancy Cost-Effective?

At first appearance, the finding by Rebecca Maynard that each teen mother costs the government an average of $3,200 per year suggests that government could spend as much as $3,200 per teen girl on teen pregnancy prevention and break even in the process. But, of course, not all girls become teen mothers and programs addressing this problem are not 100 percent effective so a lot of this money would be wasted on girls who do not need services and on programs that are less than fully effective.

Here is a simple but useful method to estimate how much money could be spent on teen pregnancy prevention programs and still realize benefits that exceed costs. If we accept Maynard’s estimate that reducing teen pregnancy saves $3,200 per birth prevented (in 2001 dollars), the question is how much should we spend to prevent such births? We first have to adjust the $3,200 estimate for the fact that not all teen girls will get pregnant and give birth without the intervention program. We know that about 40 percent of teen girls become pregnant and about half of these (or 20 percent) give birth. This adjustment yields the estimate that $640 (20 percent multiplied by $3,200) might be saved by a universal prevention program. (If we knew how to target the young people most at risk we could save even more than this.) However, a second adjustment is necessary because not all intervention programs are effective. Based on data reviewed by Douglas Kirby and by Leslie Snyder, a good estimate is that about one out of every ten girls enrolled in a program or reached by a media campaign might change her behavior in a way that delayed pregnancy beyond her teen years. This second adjustment yields the estimate that universal programs would produce a benefit of 10 percent of $640 or about $64 per participant. As the Wertheimer survey showed, actual spending on teen pregnancy prevention programs in the entire nation now averages about $8 per teenage girl. If the potential savings are $64 per teenage female while actual current spending is only $8 per teenage female, government is clearly missing an opportunity for productive investments in prevention programs. In fact, these calculations-while rough-suggest that government could spend up to eight times ($64 divided by $8) as much as is currently being spent and still break even.

Implications for Welfare Reform Reauthorization Research and experience over the last decade suggest several lessons for the administration and Congress as they consider reauthorization of the 1996 welfare reform legislation.

First, the emphasis in the current law on time limits, work, and child support enforcement should be maintained. The 1996 welfare reform law included a set of very important messages. To young women, it said “if you become a mother, this will not relieve you of an obligation to finish school and support yourself and your family through work or marriage. And any special assistance you receive will be time limited.” To young men, it said “if you father a child out-of-wedlock, you will be responsible for supporting that child.” Although opinions vary as to whether these messages have had an impact, in my view the decline in teen pregnancies and births together with the leveling off of the non-marital birth ratio and of the proportion of children living in single parent homes all suggest such an impact. These messages may be far more important than any specific provisions aimed at increasing marriage or reducing out-of-wedlock childbearing, and their effects are likely to cumulate over time.

Second, the federal government should fund a national resource center to collect and disseminate information about what works to prevent teen pregnancy. Until recently, little information was available about the best ways to prevent teen pregnancy. States and communities had no way of learning about each other’s efforts and teens themselves had no ready source of information about the risks of pregnancy and the consequences of early unprotected sex. Some private organizations have attempted to fill the gap without much help from public sources.

Third, Congress should send a strong abstinence message coupled with education about contraception. Surveys of both adults and teens reveal strong support for abstinence as the preferred standard of behavior for school-age youth, and they want teens to hear this message. At the same time, a majority is in favor of making birth control services and information available to teens who are sexually active. In addition, few expect all unmarried adults in their twenties to abstain from sex until marriage. And since a large proportion of non-marital births occurs in this age group, and a significant number of teens continue to be sexually active, education about and access to reproductive health services remains important through Title X of the Public Health Service Act, the Medicaid program, and other federal and state programs.

Fourth, adequate resources should be provided to states to prevent teen pregnancy, without specifying the means for achieving this goal. In addition, states that work successfully to reduce teen pregnancy should be rewarded for their efforts. A strong argument can be made that the federal government should specify the outcomes it wants to achieve but not prescribe the means for achieving them. This is especially important given some uncertainty about the effectiveness of different programs and strategies, and the diversity of opinion about the best way to proceed. It suggests the wisdom of retaining a block grant structure for TANF and avoiding earmarks for specific programs. This does not mean the federal government should not reward states that achieve certain objectives, such as an increase in the proportion of children living in two-parent families, a decline in the non-marital birth ratio, or a decline in the teen pregnancy or birth rate. Reducing early childbearing may be one of the most effective ways of increasing the proportion of children born to, and raised by, a married couple. But states should decide on the best way to achieve these outcomes, subject only to the caveat that they base their efforts on reliable evidence about what works. The evidence presented above suggests that states should be spending roughly eight times as much as they are now on teen pregnancy prevention.

Fifth, the federal government should fund a national media campaign. Too many public officials and community leaders have assumed that if they could just find the right program, teen pregnancy rates would be reduced. Although there are now a number of programs that have proved effective, the burden of reducing teen pregnancy should not rest on programs alone. Rather, we should build on the fledgling efforts undertaken at the state and national level over the past five years to fund a broad-based, sophisticated media campaign to reduce teen pregnancy. These funds should support not only public service ads but also various nongovernmental efforts to work in partnership with the entertainment industry to promote more responsible content. These media efforts can work in tandem with effective sex education and more expensive and intensive community level programs targeted to high-risk youth.

These steps have the potential to maintain the progress made over the past decade in reducing teen and out-of-wedlock pregnancies. There are only two solutions to the problem of childbearing outside marriage. One is to encourage early marriage. The other is to encourage delayed childbearing until marriage. Although commonplace as recently as the 1950s, early marriage is no longer a sensible strategy in a society where decent jobs increasingly require a high level of education and where half of teen marriages end in divorce. If we want to ensure that more children grow up in stable two-parent families, we must first ensure that more women reach adulthood before they have children.

Additional Reading

Henshaw, Stanley. 2001. U.S. Teenage Pregnancy Statistics. New York: Alan Guttmacher Institute.

Kirby, Douglas. 2001. Emerging Answers: Research Findings on Programs to Reduce Teen Pregnancy. Washington, D.C.: National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy.

Ku, Leighton, and others. 1998. “Understanding Changes in Sexual Activity Among Young Metropolitan Men: 1979-1995.” Family Planning Perspectives, 30(6): 256-262.

Lichter, Daniel T., Deborah Roempke Graefe, and J. Brian Brown. 2001. Is Marriage a Panacea? Union Formation Among Economically Disadvantaged Unwed Mothers. Columbus: Ohio State University.

Maynard, Rebecca A., ed. 1997. Kids Having Kids: Economic Costs and Social Consequences of Teen Pregnancy. Washington, D.C.: Urban Institute.

National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. 2001. Halfway There: A Prescription for Continued Progress in Preventing Teen Pregnancy. Washington, D.C..

National Center for Health Statistics. 2000 and 2001. National Vital Statistics Reports, 48 and 49, various issues. Hyattsville, Md.: Department of Health and Human Services.

Sawhill, Isabel. Forthcoming. “Welfare Reform and the Marriage Movement.” Public Interest.

Snyder, Leslie B. 2000. “How Effective Are Mediated Health Campaigns?” In Public Communication Campaign, edited by Ronald E. Rice and Charles K. Atkin. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage.

Wertheimer, Richard, Justin Jager, and Kristin Anderson Moore. 2000. “State Policy Initiatives for Reducing Teen and Adult Non-Marital Childbearing.” New Federalism: Issues and Options for States (No. A-43). Washington, D.C.: Urban Institute.

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Teenage Pregnancy and Prevention

How it works

In today’s society, Teen motherhood is considered “A bad thing” to hundreds of adults. Writers believe that teenagers in this generation believe being pregnant is cool and something for all young teens to do. Teen pregnancy has become very common and many teen are starting to become pregnant in groups/pact. Policies has designed a prevention to reduce teen pregnancy and start focusing on the social context in which shared understanding about sexual behaviors and the factors that structure these context rather than on individuals understanding the risks of parenthood.

Schools are an important site of influence on teens of sexual behaviors. In high school, many teenage girls are usually hanging out with the wrong set of friends that encourage them into becoming pregnant. The norms about teen pregnancy capture unique aspects of school context and composition that may be difficult to assess. Norms about teen pregnancy also belong to a special subset norms called “age norms”. Race/ethnicity and neighborhood level concentrated poverty shape teen’s risk of early sexual debut and attitudes about sex and pregnancy. One way for young people to gain accurate sex health information is through health education programs in school. Comprehensive sexual health programs have positive behavioral effects such as reducing teen pregnancy.

Stronger norms against nonmarital teen pregnancy have been documented among more highly educated Americans and in higher SES neighborhoods, but has not examined school level socioeconomic status. School norms may discourage teenagers from getting pregnant as well as private schools are run by religious organizations. (Mollborn, Domingue, Boardman, 2014) There should be more appropriate topics to be discussed. Some people argue that sex education that discuss condoms and other types sends the wrong message out to students. Part of the message of some programs is to delay sexual activity until marriage. This is important because high school students need to understand that being sexual active can lead to pregnancy and can cause a lot of stress trying to jungle both at the same time.

States without sex education law may have policies regarding sex or HIV/ STD education. It is important for all states to include sex education in public schools because it is a better way for students to understand the Pros and Cons, how they should wait until they are out of high school, etc. United States rank first among nations of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. The U.S government has funded abstinence-only sex education programs. Studies show that teaching about contraception is generally not associated with increased risk of adolescent sexual activity or sexual transmitted disease. (K.Hall & D.Hall, 2011) When babies are born to teens ages 15-19 years old, their birth rate is 31.3 per 1000.

Half of teen mothers in the age period live below poverty. Teen pregnancy has been going on for over 40 years across variety of child development, psychology, sociology, social work, and public health. Most teenagers do not finish school once they become pregnant which is not the right choice. Young adults from 18-29 years found that only 30% unmarried young adults are knowing little to nothing about birth control. Birth control and other protective use can help a lot of young teenagers to stay safe and less likely to become pregnant. Social engagement is a general protective factor for all youths and not just for teen preventing pregnancy.

It also include youth involvement in activities that provides adult supervision and their choices about sexual behaviors. It identifies three different groups based on behaviors. The Abstainers group, Contraception group, and “No Contraception” group. The Abstainers group encompass youths who are currently avoiding sex. The Contraception group encompass youths who are having sex and last time they had sex using protection. Last, the “No contraception” group encompass youths that did not use any protection the last time they had sex. This group is the highest for becoming pregnant or causing pregnancy. (Wright el al, 2011)”

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Essay on preventing teenage pregnancy.

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Teenage pregnancy is a very serious issue in modern society and a rich topic for essay writing . An unexpected pregnancy can be immensely difficult for a young couple to raise on their own, and can easily prevent young men and women from achieving their life goals due to the responsibilities thrust upon them. As such, preventing teenage pregnancy is an important part of ensuring the overall health of the youth population. This is a sample essay that focuses on teenage pregnancy prevention tactics. 

Preventing teenage pregnancy

The primary prevention method that should be utilized to prevent teenage pregnancy is the use of condoms which can be promoted through the use of sexual education. Studies have found that sexual education is the most effective method to reduce rates of teenage pregnancy, though these methods can be controversial and many parents would rather opt for abstinence only methods. Abstinence alone, however, has not proven to be effective,

“Adolescents who received comprehensive sex education were significantly less likely to report teen pregnancy than those who received no formal sex education, whereas there was no significant effect of abstinence-only education”. (Kohler, 2008)”.

As it is ultimately a parent’s decision to teach sexual education to their child, a nurse's role is to help a parent make an educated decision for their teenagers sexual health, and have a keen understanding of the sexual behaviors of teenagers and young adults . If prevention methods are unsuccessful and a teenager becomes pregnant, a nurse can be vital in assisting the teenager throughout her pregnancy by developing a nursing diagnosis and treatment plan to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

A teenager can face multiple challenges during a pregnancy that can include health concerns, family problems, judgment from peers and psychological issues. A correct nursing diagnosis is crucial in the development of an effective nursing treatment plan. A role performance disturbance (Gordon, 2010) can occur in most teenagers as they are still seen as children however they must take on adult responsibilities of giving birth to and taking care of a child.

A discharge outcome for the teenager with role performance disturbances would include being able to adapt to the change in role for the teenager. The best outcome would also prepare the teenager for the arrival of the baby. The nursing intervention could include discussing with the teenager techniques to be able to adapt to the role change as well as discussion on how the teenager is coping with the role change. 

Teenagers are faced many times with the question of readiness to have sex from their peers, society and ultimately themselves. These questions can be detrimental to the sexual health of the teenager as a lot of the focus is on when the teenager is ready not on if the teenager should be engaging in sexual activity.

“I argue that this “discourse of readiness” poses serious threats to teens' identity development, sexual decision making, and educators efforts to help them through these processes” (Ashcraft, 2006).

Rather than a discussion of readiness to have sex, the focus should be on a readiness for learning about teenage sexuality and pregnancy. As teenagers are still developing their brains and decision making skills it is essential to teach teenagers about their growing hormones and sexual activity. Studies have found that programs which teach sexual education increase the rates of condom use which subsequently reduce teenage pregnancy.  

“Safer Choices had its greatest effect on measures involving condom use. The program reduced the frequency of intercourse without a condom during the three months prior to the survey...increased use of condoms and other protection against pregnancy at last intercourse” (Coyle, 2001).

As teenagers are increasingly likely to engage in sexual activity it is important that they are safe, utilizing effective contraception methods, and learning about sexual health through channels like this expository essay . By decreasing rate of teenage sexuality we can increase the health of the teenage population both physically and psychologically.   

Ashcraft, C. (2006). Ready or not…? Teen sexuality and the troubling discourse of readiness. 

Anthropology & education quarterly, 37(4), 328-346.

Coyle, K., Basen-Engquist, K., Kirby, D., Parcel, G., Banspach, S., Collins, J., ... & Harrist, R. 

(2001). Safer choices: reducing teen pregnancy, HIV, and STDs. Public Health Reports, 116(Suppl 1), 82.

Gordon, M. (2010). Manual of nursing diagnosis. Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Kohler, P. K., Manhart, L. E., & Lafferty, W. E. (2008). Abstinence-only and comprehensive sex education and the initiation of sexual activity and teen pregnancy.

Journal of Adolescent Health, 42(4), 344-351.

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Ways To Prevent Teenage Pregnancy: A Comprehensive Essay Analysis

• Last updated Mar 28, 2024
• Difficulty Advanced

• Category When birth doesn't go to plan

Teenage pregnancy is a complex issue that affects not only the individual teenager, but also their families, communities, and society as a whole. It can lead to a variety of negative consequences, including poverty, limited educational opportunities, and increased health risks for both the teenager and their child. As such, preventing teenage pregnancy is of utmost importance. In this essay, we will explore various strategies and approaches that can be implemented to address this issue and empower teenagers to make informed decisions about their sexual health.

What You'll Learn

What are some effective strategies for preventing teenage pregnancy, how does comprehensive sex education impact teenage pregnancy rates, what role do parents play in preventing teenage pregnancy, how does access to contraception affect teenage pregnancy rates, what are the potential consequences of teenage pregnancy and how can they be prevented.

Teenage pregnancy is a complex issue that can have significant long-term consequences for both the mother and the child. Therefore, it is important to implement effective strategies to prevent teenage pregnancy. Here are some strategies that have been proven to be effective:

• Comprehensive sex education: Providing comprehensive sex education to teenagers is essential in preventing unplanned pregnancies. This education should focus on not only the mechanics of sex but also the emotional and social aspects of relationships. It should also include information about contraception methods, sexually transmitted infections, and healthy relationships. By equipping teenagers with accurate and comprehensive information, they will be better able to make informed decisions about their sexual health.
• Access to contraception: Making contraceptives easily accessible to teenagers can significantly reduce the risk of teenage pregnancy. This includes providing access to free or low-cost contraceptives such as condoms, birth control pills, and intrauterine devices (IUDs). Additionally, healthcare providers should ensure that teenagers are educated about the different types of contraceptives and their effectiveness.
• Peer education programs: Peer education programs can be highly effective in preventing teenage pregnancy. These programs involve training teenagers to become peer educators who can then educate and support their peers on topics related to sexual health and pregnancy prevention. Peer educators can provide information about contraceptives, healthy relationships, and the consequences of teenage pregnancy in a relatable and non-judgmental way.
• Parental involvement: Engaging parents and guardians in conversations about sex and contraception has been found to be an effective strategy in preventing teenage pregnancy. Parents should be encouraged to have open and honest discussions with their teenagers about sex, relationships, and contraception. This can help teenagers make informed decisions and feel more comfortable seeking guidance and support from their parents.
• Youth-friendly healthcare services: Developing youth-friendly healthcare services can also contribute to preventing teenage pregnancy. These services should be accessible, non-judgmental, and tailored to the specific needs of teenagers. Healthcare providers should be trained in adolescent health and should offer confidential and supportive services related to contraception, sexual health, and pregnancy prevention.

It is important to note that preventing teenage pregnancy is a multifaceted issue that requires a combination of strategies. By implementing comprehensive sex education, ensuring access to contraceptives, promoting peer education, involving parents, and providing youth-friendly healthcare services, we can take significant steps towards reducing the prevalence of teenage pregnancy. By addressing this issue proactively, we can improve the overall health and well-being of teenagers and their futures.

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Teenage pregnancy is a significant issue that affects individuals, families, and communities worldwide. In many cases, it can lead to adverse outcomes such as interrupted education, limited employment opportunities, and increased poverty rates. To address this issue, comprehensive sex education has been proposed as a potential solution. This article aims to explore how comprehensive sex education can impact teenage pregnancy rates by examining scientific research, personal experiences, step-by-step approaches, and real-life examples.

Scientific research has consistently shown that comprehensive sex education programs can have a positive impact on reducing teenage pregnancy rates. A study conducted by Kirby et al. (2007) found that comprehensive sex education programs were associated with a 50% lower risk of teen pregnancy compared to programs that focused solely on abstinence. These programs typically provide comprehensive information about contraception methods, safe sex practices, and communication skills to empower adolescents to make informed decisions about their sexual health. By equipping teenagers with accurate and practical knowledge, comprehensive sex education can help reduce the occurrence of unintended pregnancies.

Personal experiences can also provide valuable insights into the impact of comprehensive sex education on teenage pregnancy rates. Many individuals who have received comprehensive sex education report feeling more confident and knowledgeable about their reproductive health. By having a clear understanding of contraception methods and sexual health, teenagers are more likely to make responsible choices and engage in safer sexual behaviors. This increased awareness can contribute to lower rates of teenage pregnancy by allowing young people to take control of their reproductive lives.

A step-by-step approach is crucial in implementing comprehensive sex education programs effectively. It starts with creating a safe and inclusive learning environment where young people feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics. Teachers and educators play a crucial role in delivering accurate and unbiased information while addressing the diverse needs of their students. Comprehensive sex education curricula should include age-appropriate materials, interactive activities, and opportunities for open and non-judgmental discussions. By providing a comprehensive education in a supportive environment, teenagers are more likely to absorb and apply the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent unplanned pregnancies.

Real-life examples from countries that have implemented comprehensive sex education programs can further illustrate the impact on teenage pregnancy rates. The Netherlands, for instance, is often heralded as a success story in this regard. The country has a comprehensive sex education curriculum that starts as early as primary school and continues throughout secondary education. As a result, the Netherlands has one of the lowest teenage pregnancy rates in the world. This example showcases how a comprehensive approach to sex education can significantly reduce the occurrence of teenage pregnancies.

In conclusion, comprehensive sex education has been shown to have a positive impact on reducing teenage pregnancy rates. Scientific research consistently supports its effectiveness, personal experiences highlight its importance in empowering young people, step-by-step approaches ensure successful implementation, and real-life examples demonstrate its success in various countries. By equipping teenagers with accurate information, communication skills, and access to contraception methods, comprehensive sex education can play a vital role in preventing unplanned pregnancies and improving the overall well-being of young people and their communities.

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Parents play a crucial role in preventing teenage pregnancy. As influential figures in their children's lives, they have the power to provide education, guidance, and support to help prevent this potentially life-altering circumstance. By fostering open communication, setting clear expectations, and providing accurate information, parents can equip their children with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

One of the first steps parents can take to prevent teenage pregnancy is to establish and maintain open lines of communication with their children. It is essential for parents to create a safe and non-judgmental environment where their children feel comfortable discussing topics related to relationships, sexuality, and sexual health. By initiating conversations about these topics and actively listening to their children's concerns and questions, parents can promote a sense of trust and encourage their children to come to them for guidance and support.

In addition to open communication, parents should also set clear expectations regarding their child's behavior and decisions relating to sex. By communicating their values, beliefs, and expectations surrounding sexual activity, parents can help shape their children's attitudes and decisions in a positive direction. This involves discussing the importance of responsible and respectful relationships, the consequences of engaging in sexual activity, and the value of waiting until they are emotionally and physically ready.

Education is another crucial aspect of preventing teenage pregnancy. Parents should make an effort to provide their children with accurate and comprehensive information about sex, contraception, and the risks associated with unprotected sex. This can include discussing the various methods of contraception, their effectiveness, and where to access them. Additionally, parents should emphasize the importance of using protection and the potential consequences of not doing so, such as sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies.

Furthermore, parents can support their children in making positive choices by helping them develop healthy decision-making skills. This involves teaching them about consent, assertiveness, and critical thinking. By providing their children with the tools to navigate peer pressure, manage their emotions, and make informed choices, parents can empower them to resist pressure to engage in sexual activity before they are ready.

Parents can also play a role in preventing teenage pregnancy by being involved in their children's lives and fostering a sense of self-worth and self-confidence. Engaging in activities together, participating in discussions about future goals and aspirations, and encouraging their children to pursue their passions can help build a strong sense of self and reduce the likelihood of engaging in risky behavior.

Lastly, parents can provide practical support to their children by ensuring access to reproductive health services, including contraception. This can involve accompanying their child to appointments, providing transportation, or assisting with navigating the healthcare system. By demonstrating a commitment to their child's wellbeing and making reproductive health a priority, parents can reinforce the importance of responsible decision-making and help their children access the resources they need to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

In conclusion, parents play a critical role in preventing teenage pregnancy. By fostering open communication, setting clear expectations, providing accurate and comprehensive information, promoting healthy decision-making skills, nurturing self-esteem, and providing practical support, parents can help equip their children with the tools they need to make informed decisions about their sexual health. Ultimately, by being actively involved and supportive, parents can help prevent teenage pregnancy and contribute to their child's overall well-being.

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Access to contraception plays a crucial role in reducing teenage pregnancy rates. When teenagers have easy access to various contraception methods, they are more likely to engage in safe sex practices, thereby reducing the risk of unintended pregnancies. This article explores the impact of access to contraception on teenage pregnancy rates, providing scientific evidence, personal experiences, step-by-step explanations, and examples.

Scientific Evidence:

Multiple scientific studies have established a clear link between access to contraception and decreased teenage pregnancy rates. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that providing comprehensive sexual education combined with easy access to contraception led to a significant decline in teenage pregnancy rates. The study highlighted that access to various contraception methods, such as condoms, contraceptive pills, and intrauterine devices (IUDs), played a crucial role in preventing unintended pregnancies among teenagers.

Personal Experiences:

Many individuals who had access to contraception during their teenage years can testify to its impact on preventing unwanted pregnancies. Sarah, a 23-year-old woman, shares her experience of having access to contraception. She states, "Having access to contraception allowed me to make informed decisions about my sexual health. I was able to protect myself from unintended pregnancies and focus on my education without the added stress of raising a child as a teenager."

Step-by-Step Explanation:

Improved access to contraception is a multi-faceted approach that involves various steps to reduce teenage pregnancy rates effectively. Firstly, educational programs must be implemented to provide teenagers with comprehensive sexual education, which includes information about different contraception methods, their proper usage, and their effectiveness. Secondly, healthcare providers and clinics must ensure that contraception options are readily available and affordable for teenagers. Lastly, campaigns and initiatives can help raise awareness about the importance of contraception and break down any social stigma surrounding its usage among teenagers.

Countries that have implemented comprehensive strategies to improve access to contraception for teenagers have witnessed a significant reduction in teenage pregnancy rates. The Netherlands, for example, has one of the lowest teenage pregnancy rates globally, largely attributed to its comprehensive sexuality education and accessible contraception services. Similarly, Sweden also has a low teenage pregnancy rate due to its emphasis on sex education and widespread availability of subsidized contraceptives.

In conclusion, access to contraception plays a crucial role in reducing teenage pregnancy rates. Scientific evidence, personal experiences, step-by-step explanations, and examples all point to the importance of providing teenagers with comprehensive sexual education and easy access to various contraception methods. By doing so, we can empower teenagers to make informed decisions about their sexual health and reduce the risk of unintended pregnancies.

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Teenage pregnancy is a global issue that has both short-term and long-term consequences for the young mothers and their offspring. In order to prevent teenage pregnancy, it is essential to understand the potential consequences and implement effective strategies.

One of the potential consequences of teenage pregnancy is an increased risk of medical complications for both the mother and the baby. Teenagers are more likely to experience premature birth, low birth weight, and complications during delivery. These medical issues can have long-term effects on the health and development of the child.

Furthermore, teenage mothers may face social and emotional challenges. They may be more likely to drop out of school, limiting their educational and career opportunities. This can lead to economic struggles and a higher likelihood of living in poverty. Teenage mothers may also face social stigma and isolation, which can affect their mental health and overall well-being.

To prevent teenage pregnancy, comprehensive sex education is crucial. Providing young people with accurate information about contraception, sexually transmitted infections, and healthy relationships can empower them to make informed decisions about their sexual health. It is essential to teach teenagers about the importance of using contraception consistently and correctly to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

Access to affordable and reliable contraception is another important factor in preventing teenage pregnancy. Many teenagers may not have access to contraceptives due to cost, lack of knowledge, or societal barriers. Efforts should be made to ensure that teenagers have access to a wide range of contraceptive methods and that they are aware of where and how to obtain them.

Parental involvement and support are also essential in preventing teenage pregnancy. Open and honest communication between parents and teenagers can help teens make responsible choices regarding their sexual health. Parents can play a crucial role in educating their children about the risks and consequences of teenage pregnancy and providing them with the necessary information and resources.

In addition, community-based programs and support services can help prevent teenage pregnancy. These programs can provide teenagers with a safe and supportive environment to discuss their concerns and receive guidance. They can also offer access to healthcare, contraception, and educational resources.

Examples of successful teenage pregnancy prevention programs include comprehensive sex education programs in schools, peer education initiatives, and community outreach programs. These programs have been shown to reduce the rate of teenage pregnancy by providing young people with the knowledge and resources they need to make responsible decisions about their sexual health.

In conclusion, teenage pregnancy has significant consequences for both the young mothers and their offspring. It is essential to prevent teenage pregnancy through comprehensive sex education, access to contraception, parental involvement and support, and community-based programs. By addressing these factors, we can empower young people to make responsible choices about their sexual health and reduce the rates of teenage pregnancy.

Exploring the Safety of Cooking Throughout Pregnancy: What Expectant Mothers Need to Know

Frequently asked questions.

There are several effective strategies and interventions that can help prevent teenage pregnancy. One key approach is comprehensive sex education, which provides accurate information about sexuality, contraceptives, and relationships. This education helps young people make informed decisions about their sexual health and reduces the likelihood of unplanned pregnancies. Additionally, access to affordable and reliable contraception, such as condoms and birth control pills, is crucial in preventing teenage pregnancy. By ensuring that these resources are readily available to young people, we can empower them to take control of their reproductive health.

Parents and guardians play a vital role in preventing teenage pregnancy. Open and honest communication about sex, relationships, and contraception is essential. By maintaining a supportive and non-judgmental attitude, parents can create a safe space for their children to ask questions and seek guidance. It is also important for parents to teach their children about consent and healthy relationships, as this knowledge can help teenagers make responsible choices. Furthermore, parents should encourage their children to delay sexual activity until they are ready and ensure they have access to contraceptives if they do choose to have sex.

Schools have a unique opportunity to contribute to the prevention of teenage pregnancy. Comprehensive sex education programs that teach students about contraception, consent, and healthy relationships can be implemented in schools. These programs should be age-appropriate and include discussions on the consequences of teenage pregnancy and the importance of responsible sexual behavior. Schools can also provide access to reproductive health services, such as providing free condoms or connecting students with local clinics. By incorporating these measures into their curriculum and policies, schools can play a significant role in preventing teenage pregnancy.

Yes, community-based initiatives can play a crucial role in preventing teenage pregnancy. These initiatives often involve partnerships between schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations. One example is the establishment of youth-friendly clinics, where young people can receive confidential and non-judgmental sexual health services. Community programs can also organize workshops, campaigns, and events that promote education and awareness about teenage pregnancy prevention. By involving the entire community in these efforts, we can create a supportive environment for young people and reduce the incidence of teenage pregnancy.

While there are immediate measures that can help prevent teenage pregnancy, addressing the underlying factors is key to long-term solutions. This includes tackling issues such as poverty, gender inequality, and lack of access to education and healthcare. By alleviating these socio-economic barriers, we can empower young people to make informed choices about their reproductive health and create opportunities for their future. Additionally, ongoing research and evaluation of prevention programs will help inform the development of more effective strategies in the future.

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• Teenage Pregnancy Essays

Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Programs Essay

The fact that most teenagers never plan to get pregnant, despite the fact that they do get pregnant, presents a challenge to health care givers. This is because teenage pregnancies have extra health risks to both the teenager and the baby. According to Makinson (1985), the main reason for this is that most of them do not get timely prenatal care, making it a risk factor to pregnancy related blood pressure and its complications. The baby faces premature birth and, even low birth weight. Interestingly, more than 10 of births in United States in 2006 were from teenagers, most of who lie between 18 years and 19 years. Sadly, about a third of girls worldwide get pregnant at least once before 20 years age. Furthermore, teenage mothers have a higher likelihood to have premature births (before 37 weeks of pregnancy) than mothers who are over twenty years old. Prematurely born babies face numerous health problems, long-term disabilities, and even premature death.

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This article goes through the menace of teenage pregnancy generally to unravel its scope in the modern society. It looks at the general causes, effects and impacts of teenage pregnancy in the society.

Introduction

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Universally, females under the age of 20 years are classified as teenagers. Teenage pregnancies occur when people under this age get pregnant. However, teenage pregnancy is relative on social and personal factors. The rates of teenage pregnancy vary from country to country because there are differences in the levels of sexual activities, variations in sex education provision and accessibility and affordability of contraceptive options among teenagers. This paper looks generally at teenage pregnancy and the role of nurses.

Causes of teenage pregnancy

Allen Frost and Darroch (2009) write that peer pressure is a major causal factor. Most teenagers get aroused to explore their sexuality through teenage groups. Use of drugs and alcohol may also lead to sexual activities, though unintended. In poor societies and/or families, contraceptives are unaffordable. This means that careless sexual activities are unprotected and may lead to teenage pregnancies. Other cultures view use of contraceptives as immoral. This leaves teenagers vulnerable to pregnancies. Sexual abuse is also a major cause.

Majorly, rape in Baltimore leaves many teenagers pregnant, and in most cases without knowing who is responsible for this. Other causes are poverty in the society, which leaves poor teenagers for vulnerable childhood growth environment and domestic violence. Teenagers under foster care are also vulnerable. This is because the kind of care they receive is not too close to provide parental love, making them to seek alternative love. Another factor is low educational expectations (Strunk, 2008). Here, parents who had their children in teen ages seem to have no moral authority over their teen daughters. This leads to poor communication and lack of guidance from the parents. Social media is of great influence, too. Adolescents have much exposition to social media, hence, affecting their emotional and social reasoning. This makes them engage much in sexual activities, hence, increasing the occurrence of teenage pregnancy (Ladin, Jane & Kristin, 2006).

Medical complications of teen pregnancy

Teenage pregnancy has several medical complications including inadequacy in prenatal care, especially if they do not have the parental support, which may lead to poor monitoring of the baby’s growth. There is also a danger of Preeclampsia, which is a severe medical condition that combines high protein level in the blood and hypertension. Both this and the control medications can interfere with growth of the fetus and lead to other complications, like premature birth. Premature birth of babies below 37 weeks may also occur, partly because the teenager is not fully mature in the womb. A baby may also have a low birth weight (Strunk, 2008).

Personal Perspective

Teenage pregnancy is circumstantial. With the changing social perspectives, it is not right to pass judgment on teenagers before comprehending the causes and circumstances under which they get pregnant. However, the society should try all means to alleviate teenage pregnancy since it has many negative effects to the child, mother and the society. Problems emanate from teenage pregnancy mainly because most of them are emergency issues. By this, it means that the teen mothers neither plan them nor are normally aware of their implications. Therefore, the problems associated with this are adverse mainly because of ignorance. With the many negative effects, it would be absurd to be in support of teenage pregnancy.

Societal perspective

Teenage pregnancy is perceived differently depending on social settings and norms of each society. In some societies it is a taboo, while in others it is no big deal.

Generally, the society does not receive the idea of teenage pregnancy gladly. Today, the society believes that having children should only come with adulthood and the mother should be mature, responsible and stable enough to be able to take care of a child. Therefore, teenage pregnancy carries social stigma in most societies around the globe. It has been associated with rejection by families and abandonment by friends.

The fact that there is a low likelihood of teen parents continuing with their education leaves teenage pregnancy least desired in the society. Therefore, it leads to a decline in educational prospects, both locally and internationally. Further, it may lead to inflation of the society medical budget since it leads to anemia, obesity, hypertension and sexually transmitted diseases. Caring for such cases becomes a burden to the society, and for this reason, it condemns teenage pregnancy and all that might be its causes. Stigmatization in the society is so bad that it sometimes leads to worse contemplations, like abortion (Strunk, 2008).

Defunding program

Recently, the Republicans are planning to use defunding of Planned Parenthood as a campaign strategy (Rivoli, 2011). This might have a positive impact on the campaign against teenage pregnancy. The availability of parenting funding is one of the reasons for the increased teenage pregnancy since the federal government provides funds for single parents. This renders parenting easy, hence, promoting teenage pregnancy. With curtailed or reduced funding in this area, teenagers will have to think twice about single parenthood before engaging in sexual activities.

Nursing Considerations for the Client

The fact that nursing is a profession indiscriminative on what the society takes on teenage pregnancy should lead the way on the considerations for pregnant teenagers. Therefore, nursing should take pregnant teenagers as any other special patients requiring specialized health care, considering the health implications of teenage pregnancy. Maurer & Smith (2009) assert that professional nurses know the implications of teenage pregnancy and they, therefore, have a role to play in preventing it. However, they also have special roles to play in provision of specialized prenatal care to pregnant teenagers. Nurses have to understand the fact that some of their clients may not want their situations revealed to anybody else. This creates a dilemma, in that confidentiality is among the nursing profession code of ethics, but then there is no morality in providing some services like contraceptives, even for those who are less than 16 years old. Governments’ strategies approve the provision of such services as contraceptives to underage, even without the consent of their parents/guardians.

Professionally, nurses have roles to play in helping their clients. They do this through ensuring that they give their clients special prenatal healthcare, advice on proper feeding habits, medical prescriptions, and mental, emotional and psychological support, among others (Maurer & Smith, 2009). Further, the nurse should be empathetic with the client considering the fact that the pregnancy might have been unintended, or because of acts like rape. The nurse should also be available to the client as a confidant and friend. This is because of the social stigmatization that might render the pregnant teenager helpless and lonely in the society. Nurses can advise their clients to remember to take their prenatal vitamins, which will help prevent birth defects, negatives of pregnancy smoking, and remind them to use protection to prevent transmission of diseases. Nurses can also advise the parents of the teens to place the children for adoption programs if they cannot take care of them.

Community organizations

There are so many organizations in the community that aim at provision of guidance and counseling to the youths on the negatives of teenage pregnancy. To mention but a few, there are health providers, official elects, service groups, educational institutions, media, faith communities, teen organizations and service groups.

In Baltimore, there are health organizations that help in checking the rates of teenage pregnancy. Examples are the Baltimore City Health Department, John Hopkins Urban Health Institute, Healthy Teen Network and Center for Adolescent Health. Further, there is Maryland Family Planning Health Program, which avails family planning, teenage pregnancy prevention services and preconception health services in Baltimore city and its environs.

Generally, these organizations aim at availing education and creation of awareness about the necessity of prevention of adolescence pregnancy and provision of care to pregnant teenagers and their parents. They also carry out research aiming to promote prevention and dissemination of programs and models. They facilitate provision of resources and materials, training and technical assistance to teenagers. They also ensure availability of funds for pregnancy prevention programs, and they create policies and provide leadership and procedures that support effective evidence based research practices.

Addressing the issue as a nurse

As a nurse, one must consider the fact that the first role they have is to provide treatment and care to their patients (Frost & Darroch, 2009). However, the ethical implications of teenage pregnancy mean that a professional nurse has a lot to do about teenage pregnancy. In trying to address the issue, nurses have to teach and provide counseling to youth about sexuality, sexually transmitted diseases, reproduction and use of contraceptives. Furthermore, they can control the situation by working hand in hand with children before they become sexually active. Additionally, nurses can get involved in development, implementation and evaluation of community-based programs that will aim at preventing teenage pregnancy.

Teenage pregnancy seems to be a socially unacceptable thing in most societies around the world. However, the rising statistics indicates that it is not something that will see its end soon. This means that it has to be embraced first before seeking means of eliminating it. Nurses have difficult roles in the ethical issue in that they have to stand between the teenagers and be their bridge to the society. They have to understand and seek means of helping teenagers who fall a victim of pregnancy, either knowingly or unknowingly. Furthermore, they have to understand that they have to shed a lot of light in provision of direction of the future of teenage pregnancy.

Frost, J., & Darroch, J. (2009). Understanding the Impact of Effective Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Programs. Family Planning Perspectives, 67(5), 188-195. L’Engle, Kelly

Ladin; Brown, Jane D.; Kenneavy, Kristin (2006). “The mass media are an important context for adolescents’ sexual behavior”. Journal of Adolescent Health 38 (3): 186–192.

Rivoli, D. (2011, September 30). House Republicans Seek to Defund Planned Parenthood, NPR. International Business Times, US, 72, 31-33.

Strunk, J. (2008). The Effect of School-Based Health Clinics on Teenage Pregnancy and Parenting Outcomes. The Journal of School Nursing, 24(1), 13-20.

Hellgren, M. (2010, December 2). Many Baltimore City Rape Cases To Be Reopened « CBS Baltimore. CBS Baltimore – News, Sports, Weather, Traffic and the Best of Baltimore. Retrieved February 27, 2012, from http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2010/12/02/many-baltimore-city-rape-cases-to-be-reopened/

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Aspirin Can Prevent a Deadly Pregnancy Complication. Why Aren’t Women Told?

By Roni Caryn Rabin

Baby aspirin is routinely prescribed to people who survive heart attacks. But there’s another vulnerable group who benefit from daily low-dose aspirin: pregnant women at risk of developing pre-eclampsia, life-threatening high blood pressure.

It’s a factor in up to one in 20 pregnancies in the United States, and one of the leading causes of maternal mortality nationwide . Pre-eclampsia is the top cause of maternal death among Black women, who die of pregnancy-related complications at rates almost triple those of white women.

But not enough pregnant women are getting the word that low-dose aspirin can help. Now leading experts are hoping to change that.

Back Story: Aspirin reduces the odds of certain complications.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, an influential panel of experts that issues national guidance, has for 10 years been recommending that women who are at risk for pre-eclampsia start taking baby aspirin when they are 12 weeks pregnant.

Both the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine support the recommendation, saying low-dose aspirin is safe and not likely to cause complications. The optimal time to start is before 16 weeks of pregnancy, though it can be initiated later, the groups advise.

Those at risk for developing pre-eclampsia include anyone who had pre-eclampsia during a previous pregnancy, as well as those carrying twins, triplets or other multiples; those who have kidney disease, autoimmune disease, Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes; and those with chronic hypertension.

A pregnant woman may also be at risk if she is pregnant for the first time, is 35 or older, has a body mass index greater than 30, or has a family history of pre-eclampsia.

Taking aspirin reduces the risk of pre-eclampsia by 15 percent , while reducing the risk of premature birth by 20 percent and reducing the risk of another complication, intrauterine growth restriction, by 18 percent, studies have found.

The Problem: Women and their doctors haven’t gotten the news.

Despite all the data, too few pregnant women at risk are taking baby aspirin, and too few doctors recommend it. A 2022 study found that Black women are less likely to be told to take baby aspirin, even when they meet the criteria.

Pre-eclampsia itself is far from a household term: One in five families, and one in four Black families, has never heard of it, according to a new survey conducted by the Harris Poll for the March of Dimes.

In addition, only about one in five families surveyed said they were familiar with interventions like baby aspirin.

“Baby aspirin has been out there for a while, but a lot of patients don’t know about it and a lot of providers aren’t screening patients appropriately,” said Dr. Elizabeth Cherot, president and chief executive of the March of Dimes.

“It’s low-dose aspirin,” she added. “It’s over-the-counter, it’s available, it’s accessible. But there seem to be barriers preventing high-risk patients from taking it as a preventive measure.”

The Fix: A national campaign to raise awareness.

The March of Dimes, which fights for the health of mothers and babies, on Wednesday announced it was starting a campaign called “Low Dose, Big Benefits,” to raise awareness among health providers and pregnant women regarding the benefits of low-dose aspirin.

The campaign features the U.S. Olympian Allyson Felix, who developed pre-eclampsia during her first pregnancy and had to have an emergency cesarean section at 32 weeks.

Having had the condition once, Ms. Felix knew she might develop it again during her second pregnancy, so she decided to take baby aspirin. She had a normal full-term pregnancy with her second child, who was born on April 10.

“This project is about getting the message out there for families and pregnant people as well as health care personnel,” Dr. Cherot said. “Patients should be asking their providers about low-dose aspirin.”

Roni Caryn Rabin is a Times health reporter focused on maternal and child health, racial and economic disparities in health care, and the influence of money on medicine. More about Roni Caryn Rabin

Pregnancy, Childbirth and Postpartum Experiences

Aspirin’s Benefits: Not enough pregnant women at risk of developing pre-eclampsia, life-threatening high blood pressure, know that low-dose aspirin can help lower that risk. Leading experts are hoping  to change that.

‘A Chance to Live’: Cases of trisomy 18 may rise as many states restrict abortion. Some women have chosen to have these babies , love them tenderly and care for them devotedly.

Teen Pregnancies: A large study in Canada found that women who were pregnant as teenagers were more likely to die before turning 31 .

Weight-Loss Drugs: Doctors say they are seeing more women try weight-loss medications in the hopes of having a healthy pregnancy. But little is known about the impact of those drugs  on a fetus.

Premature Births: After years of steady decline, premature births rose sharply in the United States  between 2014 and 2022. Experts said the shift might be partly the result of a growing prevalence of health complications among mothers .

Depression and Suicide: Women who experience depression during pregnancy or in the year after giving birth have a greater risk of suicide and attempted suicide .