Teen Pregnancy
Flores
Brandy Renae Flores
J. Sanderson
English III
05/29/13
Teenage Pregnancy
As most societies advance, birth rates go down. However, in America it seems as that the birthrate is actually climbing. With teenage pregnancy running rampant, it has become a greater problem. Teens that get impregnated a young age go through many hardships, such as having financial issues, getting an education, and keeping a steady job, all while caring for a child.
It seems as though there are pregnant teens everywhere you look. Teens feel the need to have sex at younger and younger ages, resulting in more pregnancies. In fact, teen pregnancy in the United States is at an all time high as compared to other Western industrialized civilizations. This despite the 21% decline. Nearly 12,000 females between the ages of 15- 19 become impregnated every year (Domenico). While many Americans have become increasingly concerned with the problem of teenage pregnancy over the past three decades, the truth is teenage pregnancy has been a societal concern for more than three centuries (Domenico). In previous centuries, adolescent pregnancy and the problems surrounding it were not specific to any age group, but instead were treated as part of broader social issues. Only since the 1970s, has the issue of unwed motherhood become associated with teenagers. Subsequently, teenage pregnancy has gripped the attention of educators, policymakers, and the public. Hence, teenage pregnancy has been deemed an urgent crisis, not only for the young mother and her child, but for society as well (Domenico). For years researchers have examined factors leading to adolescent pregnancy. Characteristics such as family structure, age at first intercourse, and sexual abuse have been associated with
Brandy Renae Flores
J. Sanderson
English III
05/29/13
Teenage Pregnancy
As most societies advance, birth rates go down. However, in America it seems as that the birthrate is actually climbing. With teenage pregnancy running rampant, it has become a greater problem. Teens that get impregnated a young age go through many hardships, such as having financial issues, getting an education, and keeping a steady job, all while caring for a child.
It seems as though there are pregnant teens everywhere you look. Teens feel the need to have sex at younger and younger ages, resulting in more pregnancies. In fact, teen pregnancy in the United States is at an all time high as compared to other Western industrialized civilizations. This despite the 21% decline. Nearly 12,000 females between the ages of 15- 19 become impregnated every year (Domenico). While many Americans have become increasingly concerned with the problem of teenage pregnancy over the past three decades, the truth is teenage pregnancy has been a societal concern for more than three centuries (Domenico). In previous centuries, adolescent pregnancy and the problems surrounding it were not specific to any age group, but instead were treated as part of broader social issues. Only since the 1970s, has the issue of unwed motherhood become associated with teenagers. Subsequently, teenage pregnancy has gripped the attention of educators, policymakers, and the public. Hence, teenage pregnancy has been deemed an urgent crisis, not only for the young mother and her child, but for society as well (Domenico). For years researchers have examined factors leading to adolescent pregnancy. Characteristics such as family structure, age at first intercourse, and sexual abuse have been associated with
Cited: Domenico, D.M. “Adolescent pregnancy in America: Causes and responses.” Special Populations. Retrieved May 8, 2013 Howard-Barr, Elissa. "Cost of pregnancy and childbirth." Health Reference Center. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 2 Jun. 2013. Kittleson, Mark J. "Teenage parents." Health Reference Center. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 2 Jun. 2013. Kirby, D. “Teen pregnancy and education”. The National Campaign. Retrieved May 8, 2013 Rosen, R. (1997). Poverty is a cause of teenage pregnancy. In S. P. Thompson (Ed.), Teenage pregnancy: Opposing viewpoints (pp. 55-58). San Diego, CA: Greenhaven Press.