Maya Shook

English
Ms. Chiodini
13 May 2019
Colby

Who’s Raising Who?

“​In 2017, a total of 194,377 babies were born to women aged 15–19 years” (“About

Teen Pregnancy”). This is a lower number than previous years. The lack of education on safe

sex, or only teaching abstinence could increase teen birth rates. It is a lot of stress being a teen

parent. For this reason showing teens their options as a result can prevent some teens from

becoming pregnant.

Teen pregnancy is still a major issue for many young people, with limited birth control

access, poor education, and stigmas still causing debate. As a result “Critics say that such edited

presentations rob ​teens​ of critical information and ignore the realities of teen sexual behavior”

(“Abstinence Only Vs”). Teaching teens abstinence until married does not provided them with

other options, this causes unsafe sex which can lead to teen pregnancy. Besides the lack of

education “teenagers often feel pressure to make friends and fit in with their peers. Often, peers

have more influence over teenagers than the parent, even if the relationship with parent-child is

good. Many times these teens let their friends influence their decision to have sex even when

they do not fully understand the consequences associated with it” (Pflugtradt). This shows that

peer pressure causes teens to make bad decision.

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Teen pregnancy can have many effects on teens. “Too often, teens do not seek adequate

medical care during their pregnancy, which can result in moderate to severe complications. The

more common medical complications that may occur during a teen pregnancy include anemia,

toxemia, high blood pressure, placenta previa and premature birth of the baby” (Bodeeb). ​Not

only does teen pregnancy effects teen mothers and babies physically but mentally too.​ “In

addition to higher rates of postpartum depression, teenage mothers have higher ​rates of

depression. They also have higher rates of suicidal ideation than their peers who aren't mothers”

(​Pflugtradt​). The stress of being a young mother has a big toll that can have a major effect on

the teen. There are many effects on teens that come with teen pregnancy.

There are simple solutions that can help decrease teen pregnancy. “Birth-control pills.

Condoms. Diaphragms. All of which send an unmistakable message to teens: “You have no

self-control, and we don’t expect you to. We know you’re going to ‘do it,’ so just make sure

you’re ‘safe’ when you do” (Hagelin). Instead of teaching teens to avoid sex, a solution could be

to show them ways to do it safely, and decrease chances of becoming pregnant. While teaching

teens the risks of raising a child, showing them every solution will help in the long run. “Only

one out of every five teen mothers receives any support from their child’s father, and about 80

percent end up on welfare” (Sawhill). Opening teens to every option, like adoption as a solution.

The more education that is provided in schools about safe sex and simple solutions to decrease

teen pregnancy.
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Providing more education about safe sex instead of ​abstinence only education can help

decrease teen birth rates. Teaching abstinence based sex education will not open them to other

safe sex options. Becoming a teen mother can affect their mental and physical health. The

knowledge of other solutions can help teens make the right choices. Learning about this issue can

help prevent putting teens at risk of unsafe sex with the outcome of a child.
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Works Cited

“About Teen Pregnancy.” ​Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: ​1 March 2019. ​Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention. ​Web. 8 May 2019.

“Abstinence Only vs. Sex Ed.” ​WebMD: ​21 February 2000. ​WebMD LLC​ 2005-2019. Web. 8
May 2019.

Bodeeb, Julia. “Effects of Teenage Pregnancy” ​Live Strong. ​26 May 2018. ​Live strong. ​2018.
Web. 8 May 2019.

Hagelin, Rebecca. “Real Solutions to Teen pregnancy” ​Cross Walk. ​28 January 2008. ​Salem Web
​ ebMD: 2019. Web. 8 May 2019
Network. W

Pflugtradt,​ ​Sarah. “What Are the Causes of Teenage Pregnancy?” ​Live Strong. ​26 May 2018.
Live Strong.​ 2018. Web. 8 May 2019.

Sawhill, Isabel. “What Can Be Done to Reduce Teen Pregnancy and Out-of-Wedlock Births?”
Brookings.​ 1 October 2001. ​Brookings.​ WebMD: 2019 The Brooking Institution. Web. 8 May
2019.