In the last week the National Center for Health Statistics announced that according to statistics teen pregnancy is back on the rise. A few years ago they had reported than teen pregnancy rates were starting to drop. These new numbers indicate that births to mothers between 15-19 years old have rose 1.4 % from 2006-2007, for the two years prior to that they reported an increase of 3.4%. They also reported that the United States has the highest teen pregnancy rate among the 20 most developed nations in the world!
So, why are teenagers in the U.S. more at risk for teen pregnancy?
Teens becoming sexually active earlier
Makes sense right? The earlier you start having sex the greater the chance of becoming pregnant as a teen, and more teens are becoming sexually active at younger ages. The statistics above are based on 15-19 year olds. But, you should know that teen pregnancy rates for girls under 15 is also on the rise. Many of these girls are victims of unwanted or involuntary sex their first time. These girls typically start having voluntary sex at younger ages.
Attitudes about birth control
Obviously, teens who do not use birth control are at higher risk for teen pregnancy. Teenagers sometimes find it difficult obtain birth control. While others are embarrassed to use it, especially condoms. Teens who are not familiar with how to use condoms are more likely to avoid using them.
Socioeconomic factors
Teens coming from poor economic status and single parents are more likely to participate in risky sexual behaviors. Studies have found that teens girls who do not grow up with a father or have a relationship with their father are more likely to get pregnant.
Religion and Education
Teenagers who have a religious background and are involved in church or school activities are less likely to get involved in sexual relationships at an early age. Many involved in their religion may wait until marriage. There are many benefits to abstinence. Those involved in school activities do not seem to focus as much on sex and if they do have sex they are more likely to use protection.
As you can see, preventing teen pregnancy can be difficult with all of the factors involved. But with enough education for parents and teens perhaps less teens will choose to become parents at such young ages.
