21.4

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)

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 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 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

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

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