In the last few posts, I have been describing the why teenage pregnancy is a problem for the teenage mother and baby…. But are they the only people that all teenage pregnancy affects? No, they are not! It actually affects the whole society.
Let me explain how it affects the society…
Almost half of all teenage mothers end up going on welfare within five years after giving birth (Hoffman and Maynard 359). Since many teenage mothers do not complete a high school education and may end up relying on welfare, the society as a whole has to make up for their lack of funds. Societal cost of teenage parenthood ranges from nine to twenty nine billion annually. So, basically some of people’s tax money goes to teenage pregnancy.
As the level of education decreases, the level of productivity in our society decreases as well. Honestly, teenage pregnancy is just not good for anyone! It affects not only those directly involved like the mother and child, but the society too!
To sum it all up, teenage pregnancy really is a problem in the United States.
And there are ways that teen pregnancy can be prevented. A few of them might be better safe sex education programs, easier access to contraceptives, and less sexual content in the media. Teenagers also need to be informed about the reality of pregnancy.
Next time, we are going to start exploring the solution that I believe will be the best!
Until then, take it easy!
Source:
Hoffman, Saul, and Rebecca Maynard, eds. Kids Having Kids: Economic Costs and Social Consequences of Teen Pregnancy. 2nd ed. Washington, D.C.: Urban Institute, 2008. Print.
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