A report in recent news stated that at a high school in Memphis, 11% of the students are pregnant this school year. Much of the media that surrounded the story failed to take a holistic approach to the situation by not providing additional information in regards to the particular social and cultural situations of these young Memphis teens. All of them were from poor and underprivileged communities.
If we are effectively discussing the topic of teen pregnancy as a societal “epidemic,” we must not fail to include in these discussions all of the social, cultural, and economic situations that are direct or indirect influences in teen pregnancies, and not sensationalize the teen pregnancy issue as an “epidemic” descriptive for media trends.
There has been a decline in teen pregnancies since the early 1990’s; however, according to The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancies, the number of instances of teen pregnancies is currently on the rise.
The United States still ranks highest for teen pregnancy than that of other comparable countries. A January 2010 survey by Guttmacher Institute estimated that in 2006, 3 out of 10 girls, 20 years of age and younger – approximately 750,000 annually – will become pregnant.
Possible Contributing Factors
Viewed as a social issue, teen pregnancies can be a direct result of contributing social problems: poverty, poor education, a history of physical and sexual abuse, poor self-esteem, and unemployment. Teens who perform at poor academic levels, or are born to mothers who were teen mothers themselves, are also at a higher risk for teen pregnancy.
Sending mixed messages to teenagers may also contribute to high incidences of teen pregnancy; popular media culture that give the appearance of engaging in sexual activity or promoting sexual promiscuity without providing open and frank discussions about sex, and restricting the availability of these resources that do, may also be considered as a contributing factor.
Contradictory to popular beliefs, sex education and/or a clear understanding about the consequences of being sexually irresponsible, is not taught in the home. Sex education classes in school are often underfunded and banned by the very parents who believe that sex should be discussed in the home environment. Most of the information that young adults learn about sex may come from misinformed or uninformed peer groups, and the very preventative programs aimed at educating teens about sex and contraception almost rarely effectively reach teens that are in need these programs.
Is there a solution to teen pregnancy?
Not without upfront and open discussions about the risks of being sexually irresponsible, there isn’t. Promoting only abstinence does not truly address all the issues. Facing the fact that teens will have sex—regardless of all the barriers put up to protect them from it.
It is important, however, that the methods for addressing the issue should encompass, first; prevention, second; if sexually active, educate teens on effective use of contraception. Not only to prevent pregnancy, but also to prevent contacting sexually transmitted diseases. If the teen is already a parent, implement education of the prior two options to avoid further pregnancies. Young men are also not immune from discussing pregnancy and disease prevention.
The more we understand the factors and causes that contribute to teen pregnancy, the more likely parents will respond appropriately regarding questions about sex with their teenagers, and about this growing social issue.
If there is a lack of opportunity for optimism for these young girls and boys to aspire to stay in school, go to college, encouraging a positive outlook on the future—the number of teenagers who become pregnant will continue to reach astounding proportions. Let us get to a point to where there are safe and consistent discussions and not be afraid to educate our teens regarding the negative social, economic, and health issues associated with teen pregnancy.
We owe it to them.
For more information please visit The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy website.
Article reference: G. Dangal : An Update on Teenage Pregnancy . The Internet Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics. 2005 Volume 5 Number [1]
Image credit: Teen Pregnancy Utah
Is there a solution to teen pregnancy?
No but it can be drastically reduced if TV and Media stops promoting sex and teen pregnancy on tv
To this, I agree wholeheartedly. It is a conundrum of sorts when you have parents with teens trying to compete against media on issues like these. Very worrisome situation.
We as parents should be teaching our kids about sex. If we don’t, they’ll get the information from all the wrong people. We should be frank with all discussions. It usually helps if Dad talks to the Son, and Mom talks to the Daughter. From time to time everyone in the family can talk about it together. I know in my home it involves some laughter from my kids! My son is 13 and my Daughter is 11. She’s doing more of the laughing than my Son. He laughs at her! Do you remember the days when you said, “Kissing is nasty?”
Beautifully stated. I agree. Parents need to be proactive in these issues. There are a lot of things that go on in those delicate moments as a teenager. Frank discussions are so important. My parents never discussed these issues in our home. Luckily, I was a book worm and if I had to ditch school–I went to the library
But I did see a lot of young ladies in this predicament. I always wondered then, what happened? Because I never understood what was going on–and why they wanted to have babies at such a young age. Now that I am older, I understand what may have happen in those situations. Sometimes, its a cycle in those homes. I do my best to keep the word out about being safe, making proper decisions in my advise to young people. I am still not ready for motherhood. Maybe I am not brave enough. But when I am ready I will be sure to include these discussions as you have with your family.
Continue to be an inspiration to them. Thank you for the comment.
Thank you Aidy!
Hey AIDY,
Thank you so much for contributing this story. This is such a sensitive spot for me – I really have a heart for at risk teens, and like you, don’t believe in sensationalizing their problems. It’s not meant to make good TV. There are underlying issues that need to be resolved.
We need to take a look at the at-home conditions of these kids and what is really going on here. That is where the situation needs to be addressed – at home. It’s too late to try and address it at school.
Not a problem, Tia. I just became upset after watching a few news shows talk about it like this was only a problem for these girls, and the one Memphis school. They never discussed the situation, and the reporter that interviewed the young lady asked her non-professional questions. So I am like you are, this is a very sensitive subject matter that seem to be more finger pointing from the press.
Hi AIDY,
I heard a little bit about this story and it was not surprising. Being that is my neck of the woods (West Tennessee), I’d have to say, that you are spot on. There are so many other factors that come into play when it comes to teen pregnancy.
I believe parents are still uncomfortable with discussing sex with their children. Until parents get over being uncomfortable about educating their children, teen pregnancy will always be an issue.
Very informative and good points made.
Evelyn
Thank you Evelyn,
I believe more candid discussions regarding the causes for teen pregnancy are needed. There hasn’t been real discussions about it in the media, especially with all the shows depicting young adults being socially irresponsible.
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