Teenage Pregnancy

Teenage pregnancy is a universal problem that accompanies the beginning of sexual activity at increasingly younger ages. Surprisingly, only one in 5 youth do not have intercourse before the age of 20, and in the United States alone, annually, almost one million teenagers between the ages of 15 - 19 becomes pregnant (Rector, 2007). Sexual activity among adolescents is a major problem confronting the nation and the world. Consequently, this has led to a rising incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), emotional and psychological conflicts, and out-of-wedlock childbearing. As a result, sex education should be taught at an early age as a preventative measure. Teaching abstinence and sex education at an early age is not only very popular; it also makes sense. Social science data shows that teens who abstain from sex do substantially better on a wide range of outcomes (Rector and Johnson, 2005). For example, teens who abstain from sex are less likely to be depressed and to attempt suicide; to experience sexually transmitted diseases; to have children out-of-wedlock; and to live in poverty as well as become welfare dependents as adults. The earlier children become sexually active the more detrimental it is to the health of the mother and child. Teenage pregnancy is a problem that affects nearly every society -developed and developing alike. In essence, it is a common public health problem worldwide. Finally, those who delay sexual activity are more likely to have stable and enduring marriages as adults. Therefore, there are vitally important efforts aimed at reducing out-of-wedlock childbearing among young adult women, improving children's well-being, and increasing adult happiness over the long term.

The aims for programs addressing these issues regarding teen pregnancy should be threefold. First, direct the initiative toward delaying the onset of sexual activities and early marriages. Second, direct the plan toward preventing pregnancy for sexually active adolescents by the use of effective contraception. Third, direct the program toward ensuring the well-being of adolescent parents, including the avoidance of further pregnancies (Dangal, 2006). In this approach for prevention of teen pregnancy, a program through abstinence education should be created. This needs to be a clinic-focused program to bring about behavioral changes in the teens. Early childbearing can be postponed by delaying early marriage and delaying the timing of the first birth through the effective use of family planning methods via a clinic-focused program. Additionally, subsequent pregnancies among young women should be discouraged by way of these clinics as rapid repeat pregnancy in young mothers also increases prenatal risks.

Numerous studies have examined additional programs designed to bring about positive behavior in teens in general and positive reproductive health behavior in particular. Some sex education programs that are taught in schools are Reducing the Risk, a program for high school students in urban and rural areas in California. This program uses behavior theory-based activities to reduce unprotected intercourse, either by helping teens avoid sex or to use protection. Another program is Postponing Sexual Involvement, for African American 8th graders in Atlanta, GA. This program helps youth understand social and peer pressure to have sex and to develop and apply resistance skills. Healthy Oakland Teen (HOT), targets 7th graders in Oakland, CA. These health educators teach basic sex and drug education (Dean, 1997).

Statistically speaking, 56% of young women and 73% of young men today have had intercourse by age 18 (Rector, 2007). Too often, adolescent pregnancy is viewed as a problem having to do exclusively with teenage girls. Overlooked - by many - are the boys and men who share equally in this responsibility. Their need for pregnancy prevention information and services is no less important. Talking about abstinence with male or female teenagers is important because it allows for a chance to communicate to them high standards for moral values and ideas about love and sex. Candid, open conversation about sex with teenagers also shows that it is thought that they are smart enough to make the right decision about having sex or not having sex. Young people need to hear strong and consistent messages about responsible sexual behavior. Communicating with children about sex, love, and relationships is often more successful when adults are certain in their own mind about sexual issues. Certainly, parents - through discussion and example -- carry the primary responsibility for guiding their children through the mounds of information or misinformation about the joys and evils of sexual activity, and their efforts should be supported in doing so. The larger community, and especially the media, must regularly reinforce the moral standards set forth by parents with ideas that compliment the message of responsible sexual behavior rather than promote contradictory messages that confuse and compound the problems regarding sexual activity among youth. This will make future talks with young people easier.

Talking about abstinence may be hard and embarrassing. Most parents do not have a lot of experience communicating their feelings about sex. Many parents assume their teenager will not have sex until marriage and many parents are surprised when unplanned pregnancy happens. Some parents assume their teen will have sex and there is nothing they can do about it. Many times, teens don't want to have sex, but need their parents' help to say no to sex until they are older (Cherry, Dillon and Rugh, 2001). Teenagers may fear their parents will think they are having sex if they ask questions. Even if it is hard to talk about sex, the need to talk to teens is imperative because it is the only way to let teenagers know how to handle sex related issues that may arises in their lives. Nothing should be assumed concerning teenagers and sex. Talk to them despite or in spite of the awkward feelings. Teenagers need to know that waiting to have sex within a relationship as mature, responsible decision makers allows the parties involved to become true friends. In the long run, a solid friendship and sexual partnership will make for a longer lasting more psychologically satisfying relationship.

Not having sex is the only sure way to avoid pregnancy or to keep from getting sexually transmitted diseases (STD) like HIV. Also, research suggests young women who have sex early or who have many partners are more likely to get cervical cancer as adults. Real life as a sexually active teenager isn't like what is seen on television or in the movies. Those programs don't usually talk about the bad things that could happen, like unplanned pregnancy, STD or getting hurt. Therefore, it is the responsibility of caring adults to make sure that teenagers