Paste Teen pregnancy has long been a serious issue in the United States. Almost 230,000 babies were born to teenage women ages 15 to 19 in 2015, costing Americans billions in taxpayer expenditure for welfare, healthcare, and other assistance programs (Office of Adolescent Health, 2017). Even though the rate of births to teenagers has declined since the 1990’s, teens in the United States are still having babies at a higher rate than many other comparable countries (Office of Adolescent Health, 2017). By exploring consequences and identifying risk factors, prevention methods, and effective educational interventions, we can reduce the rate of teen pregnancy, greatly reducing costs to society, both emotionally and financially.
Teen pregnancy has an astounding effect on both the immediate and long-term future of young girls. Those who give birth in their teenage years are more likely to have financial difficulties as they age, which often leads to dependence on public programs, such as welfare (Office of Adolescent Health, 2017). They are also less likely to graduate with a high school degree, and have children with the same outcomes as them (Office of Adolescent Health, 2017). Only half of those who get pregnant in high school will get a diploma; those who do not have almost a 90% graduation rate (Center for Disease Control, 2016). With the dawn of the 1990’s came the highest teen pregnancy rate in the United States (The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, 2016). However, by 2011, that rate had dropped by 55 percent amongst all ethnicities in the 15 to 19 age group (the defined ages of teenagers) (The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, 2016). Those who fall into the ethnic category of white were half as likely to become pregnant than those in the Hispanic or Black category (The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, 2016). White teenage girls had a rate of 35.3 pregnancies per 1000, with Blacks having a rate of 92.6 per 1000, and Hispanics having 73.5 per 1000 (The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, 2016). This calculates to 1 in 6 white teenagers, 4 in 10 Blacks, and 1 in 3 Hispanics. As for overall teen pregnancy rates, 26.7 teenagers out of 1000 between the ages of 15 and 17 became pregnant, and 89.2 out of 1000 between 18 and 19 (The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, 2016). These numbers have shown a drastic drop in recent years, over 55 percent, but this epidemic still poses a massive threat to the quality of life, cost, and family detriments of this population (The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, 2016). In 2010, California came in second only to Texas in taxpayer costs for teen pregnancy, at 956,000,000 (The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, 2016). In the United States, that number was closer to 9.5 billion dollars; this rate factors in costs for healthcare (2.1 billion), prison fees (2 billion for the children of teenage mothers), and the money that is lost because these mothers are not contributing as much financially to the system (2.2 billion for lost revenue) (Center for Disease Control, 2016).
The downward trend of teenage pregnancies took a brief upturn in 2006 and 2007, but then continued back down in 2008. The theory behind the continued decrease was the economic downturn in 2008, where many of these teenagers saw their families struggling, an effective deterrent from pregnancy (Solomon-Fears, 2016). Also contributed to the downturn are shows, such as MTV’s (Music Television) “Teen Mom”, a real-life commentary on those who got pregnant during high school (Solomon-Fears, 2016). This show provided the public with an in-depth, realistic view of teenage motherhood, and the struggles that come with it. This, coupled with the instantaneous availability of sexual health information on the internet, has led to a decreased birth rate (Solomon-Fears, 2016).
The consequences of teen pregnancy are profound and long lasting. Oftentimes, the beginning of the risky behavior leading to pregnancy in adolescence is found in early childhood. Many teen moms are sexually abused, in poverty, and uneducated (Davis, 1996). Their parents are oftentimes uneducated, as well, and are single parents themselves (Center for Disease Control, 2016). Also, those who have fallen victim to becoming a foster child are over twice more likely to be a teenage mother than other women (Center for Disease Control, 2016). These young mothers are at increased risk for another pregnancy soon after the first, more likely to divorce, and more likely to end up raising the child on their own (Solomon-Fears, 2016). Those women who have children early are at higher risk for depression, suicide, and substance abuse (Hodgkinson, S., Beers, L., Southammakosane, C, & Lewin, A., 2013). Their risk of domestic violence is up to three times higher than others who do not have children during their teenage years (Hodgkinson et al., 2013). The consequences on the baby are that of increased prematurity, chronic health problems, and increased risk of infant death (Solomon-Fears, 2016). Economically, these young parents are at much higher risk to work low wage jobs, since many do not finish high school due to time constraints and lack of child care or finances for child care (Solomon-Fears, 2016). The children of these teenagers are more likely to not complete high school, be dependent on social programs, and have severe behavioral issues later in life (Solomon-Fears, 2016). The potential for depression in the mothers also poses a risk for low attachment in their children, which can greatly affect their social interactions later in life (Hodgkinson et al, 2013). This ultimately leads to billion in lost taxes for the system, and a heavy dependence on government funds for food stamps, health care, and cash benefits.
The population described as teenage mothers are those 15-19, who have been pregnant that either ended in birth or miscarriage, natural or elective (The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, 2016). Hispanic women have the largest number of births by teenagers, and are at risk for pregnancy during this time (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2009). Those who are involved in gangs themselves or have a significant other involved have a 50% increased risk of teenage pregnancy, often dating much older men and relying on the male figure to be responsible for birth control (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2009). It is also often seen as a status symbol to have a baby, and is often thought that becoming pregnant will keep the male in the relationship (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2009). Foster care female teens are also of particular interest when discussing teenage pregnancy. 33 percent are pregnant by the time they turn 17, making them a very vulnerable population (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2009). Those who have no adult figure in their lives are more prone to have sex at an earlier age than those who have at least one caring adult (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2009). Upon their “aging out” of the foster care system, usually at 18, is a pivotal time in their lives, and is the best time to provide assistance, such as obtaining jobs, assisting with housing, and giving educational opportunities (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2009). During this time, they are still at risk for becoming a teenage parent, and need guidance to direct them towards a life of self-sufficiency and independence.
Risk factors for teenage pregnancy span over several socioeconomic, physical, and mental boundaries. Those who are impoverished, whose own mothers were teenagers when they were born, and those whose mothers are not well educated are at a marked increased risk to become pregnant in their teen years (Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs, 2011). High levels of conflict within the family, homes with one parent, alcohol, drugs, lack of self-esteem, and engaging early in sexual activities are also risk factors (Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs, 2011). Protective factors can be education about diseases such as STD’s (sexually transmitted diseases) and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), condom use, and support and communication from loved ones or family members (Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs, 2011). Knowing how and why to use condoms correctly, having friends who use condoms, and knowing the repercussions of pregnancy are also protective (Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs, 2011). Also, having a supportive partner (father) who is involved with the pregnancy and the baby is pivotal to the mental health of the mother (Hodgkinson et al., 2013).
Per The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, in response to the best way to intervene, “There is no single valid theory…” (Solomon-Fears, 2016). Many insist that instead of abstinence only programs, teens must be provided with education about safe sex practices, and the resources to birth control (Solomon-Fears, 2016). The federal government, in an unprecedented move in 2009, gave over 100 million dollars to develop and fund pregnancy prevention and education programs in the United States (Planned Parenthood, 2013). Over 75 million dollars of this was dedicated strictly to the replication of those programs that have been proven to work (Planned Parenthood, 2013). Through this act came the Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP), a part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) (Planned Parenthood, 2013). This program ensured that abstinence and safe sex topics were approached. Also, basic skills such as finances, relationships, and careers are included (Solomon-Fears, 2016). Through various studies in many countries, it appears that the younger the education begins, and the more that it is incorporated into routine school curriculum, the lower the pregnancy and STD rates (Planned Parenthood, 2013). Family, friends, school, education, and many other factors come into play during prevention education, and cultural sensitivity must be considered during these interventions (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2009). The Contraceptive Action Plan Project (CAP) was developed to not only reduce teenage pregnancy, but also to provide education and make birth control affordable (Center for Disease Control, 2016). This intervention was formed with the CDC and Washington University School of Medicine (Center for Disease Control, 2016). The CAP program also intends to train healthcare workers to educate this population about birth control, abstinence, and pregnancy, all the while ensuring cultural competency (Center for Disease Control, 2016). The Office of Adolescent Health has begun the Pregnancy Assistance Fund, which allows teenage mothers to have access to healthcare, classes about parenting, and education (Office of Adolescent Health, 2017). Advocates for Youth recommends programs with education, access to birth control, and betterment of economic conditions to reduce the risk (Davis, 1996). It is also the community’s responsibility to develop a plan to prevent teenage pregnancy, and to identify the lack of services needed (Davis, 1996). The Teen-Tot Model involves multidisciplinary intervention in doctor’s visits for both mother and child. Social work, mental health, and primary care are all involved in the visits, ensuring a holistic view of the health of both members (Hodgkinson et al., 2013).
Most of these intervention programs are based on social theories. The Social Learning Theory is at the heart of these interventions. The three components, personal, environmental, and behavioral, are integral to the understanding of why teenage girls may or may not involve themselves in sexual behavior. The personal aspect, the individual’s knowledge, intentions, and attitudes, drive their attitudes and belief that they can achieve that desired goals. Environmental factors are some of the more integral in this setting, as the teen’s socioeconomic factors, such as poverty, abuse, and parental guidance are all indicators of whether they will become teen parents. This is where community involvement could affect the decision making of the teenage girls. The behavioral factors, such as self-efficacy, are also in play in these theories. If a person believes that they can maintain the behavior, they will. Also, seeing others maintain their behavior can affect them.
Federal programs such as Medicaid provide access to healthcare before, during, and after the pregnancy, education, counseling, and birth control (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2009). Title V funds are available only for abstinence education, and Title X gives money to those needing family planning services; abortions cannot be included in any of these programs (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2009). Title X has a four to one investment ratio; increasing the funding for this would prevent almost 250,000 teenage pregnancies a year (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2009). Title XX, or the Adolescent Family Life (AFL), provides life skills, along with medical care, such as before and after the birth, nutrition, and vocational opportunities. (Solomon-Fears, 2016). Prevention First Act, another federal program, would provide more monies to those populations with higher teenage pregnancy rates (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2009).
In response to the drastic increase in Hispanic teenage pregnancies, California has enacted The Latina/o Pregnancy Prevention Workgroup. Even though California’s teen pregnancy rate has gone down, the Latina teenagers are at risk for becoming pregnant at an alarming four times more than their white or black counterparts (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2009). This workgroup, partnered with the University of California, aims to education these teens, and to avert erroneous cultural ideals, such as the cessation of school after pregnancy, or dependency on their significant other for all their needs (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2009).
Hablando Claro (Plain Talk) is also aimed at this population, and not only focuses on providing information and birth control to teens, but also targets the adults in their lives. These adults are encouraged to be approachable and open to discussions about sex (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2009). “Walkers and Talkers” are the pinnacle of this program, going door to door and getting everyone in the community interested and involved (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2009).
Gang members and those involved in violence in their youths are the aim of the Teen Outreach Project, which is available in over 40 states (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2009). This program offers education on peer pressure, anger management, and how to make good decisions (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2009). Studies have found that when crime committed by teenagers goes down, so does the pregnancy rate, by almost one-third (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2009).
The Enabl (Education Now and Babies Later) program in Florida partners state and local funds to provide ways to stop teenage pregnancy (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2009). In California, there are programs where participants live independently in group settings, but receive therapy and life skills assistance (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2009).
Solutions to reducing teen pregnancy are multidisciplinary and stretch over all aspects of the teenagers’ social circles. Making Medicaid more accessible to this population so that education and contraception can be provided, and increasing campaigns on Facebook and other social media are two impactful interventions that can be used (Office of Adolescent Health, 2017). Existing educational programs must be continually funded and assessed to ensure that they are effective in reaching at risk youth. Having SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound) objectives for the programs is essential, so that goals can be measured and adjusted as needed. Community involvement, especially that of adults who are trusted and approachable, is another necessary intervention. The community should be responsible for teaching basic life skills and coping mechanisms, and making sure that the instruction is culturally and age appropriate. Involvement of the teens is crucial; to respond to intervention, they must feel important and valuable to the community.
The CDC recognizes teenage pregnancy prevention as a highest priority; the health and wellbeing of our youth depends on it (Center for Disease Control, 2016). With the federal government identifying teenage pregnancy as a crisis, we must identify funding sources as well as educational interventions to decrease the risk of adolescents succumbing to this 100 percent preventable outcome.
your essay in here…