21.4

Teen Pregnancy and Parenthood

Preventing Pregnancy

• The most effective method of preventing pregnancy is sexual abstinence or refraining from sexual activity.
• Other methods of contraception include:
  • Birth control implant (less than 1 pregnancy per 100 females)
  • IUD (less than 1 pregnancy per 100 females)
  • Sterilization (less than 1 pregnancy per 100 females)
  • Birth control shot (6 pregnancies per 100 females)
  • Birth control patch (9 pregnancies per 100 females)
  • Birth control pill (9 pregnancies per 100 females)
  • Vaginal ring (9 pregnancies per 100 females)
  • Diaphragm (12 pregnancies per 100 females)
  • Spermicide (12-24 pregnancies per 100 females)
  • Fertility Awareness Methods (FAM) (12-24 pregnancies per 100 females)
  • Emergency contraceptive pills (15-25 pregnancies per 100 females)
  • Cervical cap (17-23 pregnancies per 100 females)
  • Male condom (18 pregnancies per 100 females)
  • Female condom (21 pregnancies per 100 females)
  • Withdrawal (22 pregnancies per 100 females)
  • Spermicides (28 pregnancies per 100 females)

Options if Pregnancy Occurs

• If pregnancy occurs, people have several options:
  • Give birth to and raise the baby
  • Place the child for adoption
  • Seek support and counseling from family members, friends, and trusted adults

Teen Parenthood

• Teen parenthood involves a teen raising a child independently or with the other parent.
• Benefits of legal fatherhood include:
  • Ability to make decisions about the child's life
  • Legal visitation with the child
  • Knowledge of the child's health and access to school records
  • Right to be listed on the child's birth certificate
  • Ability to seek sole custody if the parents break up or the other parent passes away
• Mother can receive:
  • Financial support
  • Support payments
  • Childcare assistance
  • Insurance for the child through the legal father's work
• Benefits of both parents include:
  • Knowledge of both parents and family origins
  • Security, medical, and disability benefits from the father's medical history
  • Legal and financial support from both parents
  • Property from both parents

Unmarried Parents

• Unmarried parents must work out who has custody of the child.
• Custody options include:
  • Sole custody: one parent has legal rights and responsibilities to care for the child
  • Joint custody: both parents have legal rights and responsibilities to care for the child
• Noncustodial parent must contribute financially to support the child

Shared Parenting

• Shared parenting or joint custody requires:
  • Respect for each other, the child, and those helping with childcare
  • Effective communication
  • Avoiding disputes and arguing in front of the child
  • Listening to and understanding each other
  • Sharing information about the child's well-being
  • Asking for help when needed
  • Being reliable and following through on promises and commitments

Risk Factors and Protective Factors

• Risk factors for teen pregnancy:
  • Limited knowledge of reproductive health and contraception
  • Parent who had a child before the age of 20
  • Living in a home with frequent family conflict
  • Unprotected sexual activity
  • Use of alcohol and drugs
  • Low self-esteem
• Protective factors:
  • Discussions with parents, guardians, and healthcare professionals about contraception
  • Parental or guardian support and a healthy family dynamic
  • Accurate knowledge of reproductive health through valid resources
  • Continuous abstinence

Challenges of Teen Pregnancy and Parenthood

• Physical challenges:
  • Death within the first year of life
  • Low birthweight
  • Dependence on addictive substances
  • Infections
  • Slow growth
• Social and emotional challenges:
  • Issues with partner, friends, and family
  • Resentment from parents that harms the child's social and emotional health
• Economic challenges:
  • Financial strain to pay for food, clothing, housing, childcare, and education for the child

Resources for Teen Parents and Families

• Resources for teen parents include:
  • Local pregnancy and parenting support groups
  • Government assistance programs
  • Community organizations
  • Teen pregnancy support groups
  • Health care providers
  • Adoption agencies
  • Foster care agencies