The Truth About Teen Pregnancy

Yesterday I came across something that a young woman I know wrote.She gave birth to a beautiful little girl a couple of years ago. I had the privilege of helping her nurse in the early days. She is an outstanding mother who has graduated from high school and is now in college. But it hasn't been easy for her or for her fiancee.

I hope this post will make a  difference in the life of a teenage girl somewhere.

Teen Pregnancy
by Lizzy Joan Fairchild

I've been wanting to write a note on teen pregnancy for a while. I've been asked a lot of questions regarding what it's like being a teen mom and such, and I know there are other people with questions about it who just don't want to ask. So here's some I'm asked most frequently.

What's it like being a teen mom?

That's kind of a hard one. I mean, just like becoming a mom at any age, you're priorities have to change entirely, the way you do simple, daily tasks, your relationships with certain people will probably change, and, if your pregnancy is unplanned, your future plans are bound to change. So, being a teenager, you just add in a few more things. Minimum wage job, not having your own place, and not yet having your high school diploma definitely make things more difficult. (Although I NOW have my diploma; it's much easier to get it when you're not raising a kid at the same time.)

Did you plan on getting pregnant?

I'm surprised I get this so often... I actually planned on NEVER having any kids. I never thought of myself as a mom. I love it now; but no, I definitely did not plan on getting pregnant.

Are you still with the daddy?

Yes, and we're very happy together. But I give the credit to God entirely. He definitely was the one that made our relationship work.

Is Billy a good dad?

I think he's an awesome one! :) And not just "for a teenager." He really wants to be the best dad possible for Adalynn. However, I know for a fact that the majority of teen dads are not as caring as Billy. He's gone through a lot of stuff in his life that matured him very young and, of course, having God in his life has made him a great father.

What do you use for birth control now?

Well, the only one that's 100% efficient at preventing pregnancy! Abstinence. For religious reasons and to be good role models for Adalynn when she's older.

Are you going to go to college?

Yes, I am :) First, though, I'm going to take classes at the Red Cross to become a nurse assistant. Then, I'm going to give myself a while to figure out what exactly I want to do (probably something in the medical field, though.) But I have my heart completely set on going to college, and I have a fiance and parents who I know will MAKE SURE I do! haha :)

Now, I know there are people who don't care about statistics but I really like them. Seeing things in numbers helps me to understand and I'm hoping it'll help a few others out there. So here are a few statistics about teen pregnancy.

For the girls who think a baby will bring your boyfriend closer;

80% of teen parents never marry.

Over 60% of teenage mothers won't graduate from high school.

Almost 25% of teen moms become pregnant within two years following their first birth.

82% of teen pregnancies are unintended.

Less than 2% of women who were teen moms get a college diploma by the age of 30.

80% of teen moms who don't marry will depend on welfare.

The daughters of teen parents are 22% more likely to become pregnant as a teen, as well.

Sons of teen parents are 13% more likely to end up in prison.

Out of all teen pregnancies, only 57% end in birth.

14% of teen pregnancies end in miscarriage.

Very, very sadly: 29% of teen pregnancies end in abortion.

Some of these facts were found at these websites

http://www.teenhelp.com/teen-pregnancy/teen-pregnancy-statistics.html

http://womensissues.about.com/od/datingandsex/tp/Teenpregancy.htm

http://www.pregnantteenhelp.org/statistics/teen-pregnancy-statistics/

If you want more information, I also know of these sites

http://kidshealth.org/teen/

http://www.itsyoursexlife.com/