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Teenage Pregnancy
Although the rate of teenage pregnancy in the United States has declined greatly within the past few years, it is still an enormous problem that needs to be addressed. ... (Gormly 348) Recent statistics concerning the teen birthrates are alarming. ... (Newman 679) Although the onset of pregnancy may occur in any teenager, some teens are at higher risk for unplanned pregnancy than others. ... Teenagers who come from poor neighborhoods and attend segregated schools are at a high risk for pregnancy. ... Although the rate of teenage pregnancy is higher among low- income African-Americans and Hispanics, especially those in inner city ghettoes, the number of births to teenagers is highest among white, nonpoor young women who live in small cities and towns. ... (Calhoun 310) A teen mother leaves school because she cannot manage the task of caring for a baby and studying, and a teen father usually chooses a job over school so that he can pay bills and provide for his child. (Johnson 4) Teen mothers usually have fewer resources than older mothers because they have had less time to gather savings or build up their "productivity" through work experience, education, or training. (Planned Parenthood 1) Because of this, teen mothers are generally poor and are dependent on government support. (Newman 679) The welfare system is usually the only support a teen parent will receive. ... (Calhoun 309) In some cases, teen mothers may also receive help like Medicaid, Food Stamps, and "Aid to Families with Dependent Children" (AFDC). ... Teen mothers may have limited social contacts and friendships because they do not have time for anything other than their baby. ... " (Calhoun 310) Teenage pregnancy comes with not only a child, but also many consequences. Teen mothers face greater health risks than older mothers, such as anemia, pregnancy induced hypertension, toxemia, premature delivery, cervical trauma, and even death. ... (Calhoun 311) The death rate from pregnancy complications are much higher among girls who give birth under age fifteen. ... (Planned Parenthood 1) An adolescent mother and her baby may not get enough nutrients and, because the mothers body is not fully mature, she may have many complications throughout the duration of the pregnancy.
Approximate Word count = 1764
Approximate Pages = 7.1
(250 words per page double spaced)
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