He lowers his hand to extend it and curves a strong grip around her small wrist, stopping her abruptly in her tracks. "What is it, what's bothering you?" he asked once again in an anxious voice. "It's... I'm pregnant!" Finally letting the tears flow down her cheek. Then, after a shocked look beyond his eyes, the expression he had longed to see when he heard the news filled his face with happiness and joy. As much as we all like to think, this scene you've seen now, doesn't happen that often, as the young unmarried, mostly paternal couple is forced to separate for a variety of reasons. Teenage pregnancy, the pregnancy of a young woman who is under the age of 20, married or legally an adult, has been a growing problem in our society, just as dangerous and risky as drug abuse. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay One of the surveys conducted by a major international organization, Save the Children, established that every year 13 million children are born to women under the age of twenty; more than 90% in developing countries. From economically disadvantaged families and communities, who do not do well in school and have low aspirations for their educational achievement, to dysfunctional families and a great deal of substance abuse and behavioral problems, teenage pregnancy is driven by many factors which, if we consider it, could be eliminated or turned off a bit. In the United States in 1980 there were more than 1,000,000 pregnancies among adolescents between the ages of 13 and 19: even more than 100,000 miscarriages and 400,000 abortions. And what can be done? Organizations and schools might do their best, they might keep track of everything and try to find an effective solution to at least reduce the rate of teenage pregnancies and overall sex before marriage, but at the end of the story, it all depends on teenagers or , in this case, teenage girls. Under the pressure of their peers, or even their boyfriends, warned by their parents and teachers, they can lose themselves when faced with such a difficult decision to make; who should they follow when one choice is so tempting, but even a blind person can see its practicality in the other. As you can easily understand, teenage pregnancy is obviously a horrible thing. But, by the time you enter high school, and even some middle schools in the United States, there is a popular belief that having already had sex is “OK.” While suddenly coming to school with a swollen belly is really shocking. Making up an excuse like that to make premarital sex okay, given that “We used condoms,” is now worn out. Today, you either did it or you didn't, which, fortunately, puts some pressure on teenagers; not doing it is. Condoms, when used correctly and consistently, can help prevent both unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases, everyone knows this. But how well do they work? Condoms are very effective against the AIDS virus, but data on their effectiveness against some other sexually transmitted diseases is surprisingly spotty. For example, when latex condoms are used every time and put on early enough, they reduce the chances of pregnancy over a one-year period to 3 percent, compared to 85 percent without birth control. On the other hand, surveys show that because condoms are often used improperly, approximately 12 million Americans come into contact with sexually transmitted diseases each year. And I'm just getting started. You thinkthat having those STDs is worth a couple of one-night stands? Or is it really worth taking the risk of pregnancy to satisfy his pleasure, to make himself love more? And you, young comrades, what do you have to say? "He tempted me with a seductive look." “Dressed in those tight jeans and a t-shirt several sizes smaller than hers, I couldn’t help myself.” You want to use these excuses, but in truth, perhaps more than girls, your pressure in this too. But, as Barbara Ehrenreich would say, “If men were equally at risk—if they knew that their belly might swell as if they were suffering from end-stage cirrhosis, they would have to go almost a year without drinking a strong drink, a cigarette, or even a 'aspirin, who would be subject to fainting spells and unable to make their way onto commuter trains - then I'm sure pregnancy would be classified as a sexually transmitted disease and abortions would be no more controversial than emergency appendectomies. Look at it from our point of view, because even more than us, even if not many are willing to admit it, you have the power to stop all this; put a limit on this problem and the entire ever-growing chain of problems it creates. Even if she's been your girlfriend for years, why not wait a few more years? For that moment when you kneel before her and ask her to spend the rest of your lives together. Why many teen moms are more likely to smoke; and are more likely to repeat the cycle (becoming a teenage mother, dropping out of school, getting divorced or separating). I'm also here to tell you that while you may still be willing to go through with it, whatever the reason, there is much more to the damage it can cause to you and your loved ones; both physical and emotional. Many of us do not have health insurance to cover the costs of a possible pregnancy and birth, so you are sure that you may not get adequate medical care, such as prenatal care. And, generally, adolescents undergo a cesarean section, commonly known as a C-section. However, where medical facilities are not available, maternal deaths may occur. It is more likely that in girls around the age of 14, since they have an underdeveloped pelvis, at the time of conception they pose many risks for childbirth and for the health of the mother; Just as unfortunate, the emotional consequences can be just as effective. In the United States, 8 out of 10 teenage fathers do not marry the mother of their children, and single motherhood can affect employment and social status; they lack social support as teen pregnancy is considered unethical. This can create extreme depression, and as a result, pregnant teenage girls are seven times more likely to commit suicide. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Also, when you decide to have sex, you immediately think about the possibility of pregnancy. Your next thoughts should fall somewhere between the baby you might have and the effects it will have on your family. You may be willing to take a disease, but give voice to your child that may be born. There is always a risk of transmitting HIV infection to their children, including the possibility of contracting other sexually transmitted diseases. After birth, if you are still firm in your decision, you will be less likely to stimulate your baby through affectionate behaviors, or to be sensitive and accepting of his needs, and, if you are a teenage mother with more social support, you would probably show anger towards their child and would rely on them more often.