Teen pregnancy among Latinas - Research Paper Example

Teen Pregnancy among Latinas Introduction Harris (2009) reported in New York Times that 4 out of every 10 babies were born from unmarried mothers in the U.S in 2007. Though a considerable success has been made in reducing teen pregnancy, it has not been uniform across all communities. Hispanic teens have been found to have increased birth rate during 2005 and 2006.The purpose of this paper is to determine the major causes behind teen pregnancy among Latinas. The paper will focus on the qualitative aspects based on the various quantitative surveys already done across the various ethnic groups and races.

Latina Teen Pregnancy and its SignificanceThe Latina teen pregnancy issue has got significance because the Latino population is growing fastest among all the ethnic groups in U.S. Currently it constitutes 13 percent of the total population of the country. The issue has got more critical dimension in the sense that the Latino teen population, in next twenty years, will grow by 60 percent compared to the total teen population that will grow by only 8 percent. (Latina Teen Pregnancy 2004)Belief and Attitudes of Latino Teens International Communications Research (ICR) group, a research company, carried out a survey of 759 Latino teens.

The gist of the replies received from them can be described as per the following. (The National Campaign to Prevent 2009)According to Latino teens, parents influence most regarding their decisions about sex. The survey estimated that during their teenage, 53 percent of Latinas become pregnant. In all, the influence of parents is found to be in 49 percent of Latino teens regarding their decision about sex and 14 percent were influenced by their friends. Seventy five percent Latino teens agreed that their parents did talk to them about sex and relationships; however, only 49 percent of teens have been talked and informed about any contraceptive methods by their parents.

Surprisingly, 74 percent of Latinos believed that sons and daughters get different messages from their parents regarding the matter of sex. Further, the most common reason given by them for not using any contraceptive methods was that their parents might know about it. It was surprising to note through this survey regarding their belief regarding child bearing when 76 percent of Latino teens conveyed that it is important that couple get married before having a child or starting a family. (The National Campaign to Prevent 2009)Other Reasons for High Rate of Teenage Birth in LatinasEducation wise less than 60 percent Latino adults are found to have high school diploma.

In 2005, more than 20 percent Latinos were living below poverty line which was significantly higher when compared with non-Hispanic whites. Further, 30% of all children that lived in poverty were found to be Latino. Overall, teenage pregnancy and child birth has a lot to do with these parameters. (The National Campaign 2011)Current educational programs are unable to connect with the community culturally as described by Albert and Flores of the National Campaign program. There are the double standards across gender in Hispanic culture.

The teenage daughters are given messages to honor chastity but at the same time sons are given the lessons of virility. (Health 2007)ConclusionGiven the above scenario, it is required to have realistic education in schools, especially for Latino teenagers on the matter related to sex. The National Campaign to prevent teen pregnancy should be made more effective and interesting to guide, and educate Latino teenagers. Moreover, parents should be involved in an educational program and impressed upon as to why such programs are necessary for the better future of their kids.

References1. Harris, G (2009), Out-of-Wedlock Birthrates Are Soaring, retrieved December 5, 2011 from, http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/13/health/13mothers.html?ref=health2. Latina Teen Pregnancy (2004), retrieved December 5, 2011 from, http://www.prcdc.org/files/Latina_Teen_Pregnancy.pdf3. The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy (2009), retrieved December 5, 2011 from, http://www2.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=PRNI2&STORY=/www/story/05-19-2009/0005029074&EDATE=4.

The National Campaign (2011), An Overview of Latina Teen Pregnancy & Birth Rates, retrieved December 5, 2011 from http://www.thenationalcampaign.org/espanol/PDF/latino_overview.pdf5. Health (2007), The Daily Beast, A new salvo in the fight to prevent Latino teen pregnancy, retrieved December 5, 2011 from, http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2007/10/29/learning-to-think-twice.html