Teen Pregnancy

Most teens haven’t thought of this, but teen pregnancy is one of the factors that can affect a teenager’s school life. Pregnant teens walk the halls of many high schools including Jamaica.

Everyone has an opinion and broaching the issue of teenage pregnancy, a few shared their beliefs, while other’s choose to keep theirs to themselves. "Teen pregnancy is bad because it’s too early to have a baby," said junior Kwesi Charles."At that age we don’t have the right preparations for a baby.”

According to facts researched and published in November 2002 on womenshealthchannel.com, there are health risks associated with babies and children born to teenage mothers. Babies from teen moms are more likely to suffer health, social, and emotional problems.

These health problems not only affect teens but teachers also. Not only are they responsible for a teens physical protection during classes, they are responsible for the emotional well-being of the teen.

"It's certainly a growing concern," said health teacher, Ms. Papierno. "The rate of teen pregnancy continues to increase.That's why we try to raise awareness with the use of protection."

The relationship between teachers and students help to smooth along the process for teens. They can give advices and information which can help in the long run; otherwise, it varies depending on the teen's perspective.

Scheidel Milfort, a senior, gave his opinion on teen pregnancy and why he thinks it's happening so early. “ I think they don’t know how to practice safe sex. Some may feel like an outcast, so they just go ahead and do it, without protecting themselves.”

Statistics posted on the website www.smith.edu/ourhealthourfutures/teenpreg.html by two teenage girls, Susanna Salazer15 and Tanisha Jones 14, recorded that every 26 seconds, an adolescent becomes pregnant. Every 56 seconds another gives birth. While teenagers contribute 13% to the U.S. birthrate, 1/3 of teen moms drop out of school.

As it so happens, teen pregnancy is not something we think we should try and “experience,” at least not at this early stage in our lives. With all our present responsibilities, adding the life of a newborn is not such a good idea. This is my opinion and everyone has the right to make theirs, so you make yours and make it a good one.