Introduction
Teenage pregnancy can be defined as a pregnancy that occurs in young girls below the age of twenty, regardless of whether they are married or of adult age (Christensen and Rosen 1). Teenage pregnancy has been increasing at an alarming rate, especially in the United States, Africa, and the United Kingdom. It has become a global concern because it affects not only the teenager and her family but society in general. An Increase in teenage pregnancy will, in the end, lead to increased child poverty as well as degradation of the child’s well-being.
Causes of teenage pregnancy
One of the major causes of teen pregnancy is the absence of affectionate supervision from parents or guardians. In the current society, parents are either too busy or too permissive. Apart from the provision of basic needs, parents and guardians are not involved in the emotional stability of the girl child.
Teenagers, especially girls, go through intriguing situations and changes in which they need parental support to understand and accept the changes. In case they lack this affectionate supervision from their parents, they seek answers from boyfriends who “seem” to be giving the affection and attention that ends up in a pregnancy.
Another major cause of teenage pregnancy is peer pressure. As children grow into their teenage hood, there is increased pressure to fit into certain peer groups. The peers may then push the girl into having sex to fit well in their group. In addition to this, modern society allows teenagers to have a lot of time and space with the opposite sex on their own, which results in instances of pregnancy at teenage hood.
Other factors key to this concept are sexual abuse as well as the use of drugs and alcohol. Teenagers are exposed to alcohol and drugs, making them lose control over their sexuality when drunk, thus leading to pregnancies. Sexual abuse, on the other hand, occurs when girls go for sex for pleasure without understanding the sexual impact. It is also evident when an adult sexually victimizes a teenage girl or a minor (Health Care Veda Ezine 1).
The lack of sex education in schools for teenage girls has also contributed to increased teen pregnancy. This is because it leads to indulgence in sexual activities without understanding the possible effects. It is, therefore, important to let girls understand issues surrounding sex and their sexuality as well as the possible impacts.
This is the duty of teachers, religious, parents, and the entire society to impart knowledge (Christensen and Rosen 1). On the other hand, the media has contributed to teenage pregnancy by advertising and showing programs, talk shows, as well as playing songs that advocate for sex. This makes teenagers practice what they see in the media, thus ending up with pregnancies.
In most cases, teenagers do not have the knowledge of using and accessing contraceptives, something that contributes to teenage pregnancies. Other factors, such as socio-economic and environmental issues, are instrumental in causing teenage pregnancies.
Effects of teenage pregnancy
The effects of teenage pregnancies are many and unpleasant. Besides getting pregnant, teenage girls and their children are at risk of being infected with STDs, including HIV/AIDS. Additionally, there are health implications associated with early sex and pregnancies, such as obstetric fistula, infant death, maternal death, eclampsia, and cervical cancer. In addition, other complications come about due to the undeveloped pelvis of the teenage girl (Health Care Veda Ezine 1).
Teenage pregnancy also brings about physical and psychological trauma to the girl since she is faced with many dilemmas exposed to her by the family and society. It also makes the parents feel ashamed because of their alleged negligence as viewed by the public or society (Christensen and Rosen 1). Lastly, teenage pregnancy has largely contributed to child poverty since the girls are forced to drop out of school to take care of their babies.
Conclusion
It can thus be concluded that teenage pregnancy is a problem for the entire society. Moreover, since it is largely caused by factors in society, it is the obligation of every member of society, including religious leaders, parents, teachers, and teenagers themselves, to participate in addressing the issue.
Works Cited
Christensen, Sue, and Rosen, Ann. Teenage Pregnancy. 2011. Web.
Health Care Veda Ezine. What are the causes of teenage pregnancy? 2011. Web.