Teenage pregnancy Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Teenage pregnancy - Research Paper Example Previously it was believed that teen pregnancies are usually because of socio-economic factors, lack of sex related services and decreased contraception but nowadays this view is challenged by many as all these aspects have been overcome by the growing society (Kost et al 2010). It is a belief that the economic burden that is passed unto teenagers who become pregnant can put a significant strain on the possibility of a brighter future. Moreover, it could be argued that abortion can help alleviate a cycle of poverty in women who themselves are the result of teenage pregnancy. Therefore, abortions are the answer for a pregnant teenager in view of her health, future and career. Different Views on Abortion Smith (2001) carries out a study to explore the negative and adverse effects of teenage pregnancy in the form of premature delivery and stillbirth. The study is carried out in order to understand the adverse perinatal outcomes in teenage pregnancy cases. Teenagers are at a lower risk o f unhealthy outcomes when given 1st birth. Moreover, the risk of caesarean is also loweramong teenage mothers in the first delivery. However, Smith (2001) reveals that second delivery of a teenage mother is highly risky in terms of caesarean and premature or still birth. There is an increase in the teenage pregnancies between the years 2005 and 2006 by 3% (Lewin 2010). The teenage abortion rate has also been increased by approximately 1 percent from 2005 to 2006. These increasing rates are related to the struggles made by government in order to curb this issue. The "abstinence-only programs" supported by Clinton's government are called into question. However, the pregnancy rates are significantly lower in 2005 at 69.5 as compared to 116.9 in 1990. The only issue that is gaining increasing attention from the opposition is the increased rate in 2007 of 71.5 in 2006. Lewin (2010) forms an opinion that Blacks, Hispanics and Whites are all showing increasing trends on teenage pregnancies in the recent years. Teen pregnancy is generally believed to be harmful by many for not only the pregnant woman but also for the baby. Teenage pregnancy can pose health risks to the baby because the teenager woman would not be capable enough to take care of the baby at such a tender age. Similarly the teenager woman would also not be able to support her child financially and thus this would disrupt safety and life plans for the baby. The only way out of these issues to teenagers is abortion. This interruption in pregnancy leads to increased risk of breast cancer among the teenagers (Melbye et al. 1997). The study suggests that the breast cells are proliferated quickly without following the normal procedure which protects the health of the woman. There are certain positive aspects of teenage pregnancy and motherhood which keep the trend going. Seamark (2004) provides a valuable study in this regard by interviewing teenage mothers to evaluate their experiences of having children at a n early age. The responses were quite positive as the teenage mothers tend to be positive in their perceptions, goals and feel more motivated towards their aims by the responsibility of their children. They show a positive attitude towards the busy yet ambitious life to protect and help the children grow healthy and contented (Seamark 2004). The teenage pregnan