There is always room to debate why teens get pregnant. Some would argue teens need more sex education, while others would argue teens are taught too much and that is what peaks their curiosity. Whether you believe in abstinence only education or more sex education for teens there are some undisputed facts about the reasons teens get pregnant.
Wanted pregnancy. While there are very few that fit in this category, some girls choose to get pregnant. Some surveys say as many as 20% get pregnant on purpose. Keep in mind "teen pregnancy" statistics include teens (17-20) who may have graduated high school, chose to get married, and planned their pregnancy.
Rape. While this is a terrible thing, it happens. Girls may be victim to date rape, molested by family members, or violated by a stranger.
Unwanted sexual intercourse. Some surveys indicate that 3 out of 4 (75%) girls start having sex because feel peer pressure from their boyfriends. Making it equally important that we talk to boys about the effects and consequences of pressuring girls as it is to talk to girls about resisting the pressure.
Inconsistent birth control or unprotected sex. It only takes once. Girls who do not use birth control are 90% more likely to become pregnant within 1 year of becoming sexually active. Teens indicate the reason they do not use birth control are: not educated enough to know what is available or how to use it, they are not comfortable with using it, and they do not know where or how to get it (especially without people knowing). Keep in mind this is also putting them at risk for STD's.
Do not understand consequences of teen pregnancy. While most teens know that having sex can result in pregnancy they are not taught to stop and consider the full extent of consequences. Girls are taught more about saying "No" than they are about what it takes to be a single mom, child care responsibilities, and how they will support a child. Boys are taught more about using condoms than what it will take to support a child or the custody issues they could face.
Abstinence only education. This topic is debatable. Many teens have commented that abstinence only education is much like telling them "no" without reason, which may peak their curiosity even more.
