Negative Socio-Economic Consequences of Teenage Pregnancy - Term Paper Example

Impact of Teenage Pregnancy on Mother Teenage pregnancy is one of the most common reasons why a young woman would drop out of school (The National Campaign). In relation to tight competition in the labor market, there is a strong possibility for pregnant women to have more difficulty finding a job. For this reason, it is likely for teenagers who got themselves pregnant at a young age to face economic problems after giving birth.Aside from the socio-economic impact on mother, teenage pregnancy could also affect the health of the mother since unprotected sexual activity increases their risk of becoming infected with sexually transmitted diseases like HIV, Gonorrhea, and Chlamydia (Manlove, Terry-Humen, and Papillo).

Impact on Infant Almost all teenage women who become pregnant at an early age are not mentally, physically, psychologically, and financially prepared for this kind of responsibility. Because of mental and emotional stress associated with teenage pregnancy, the overall well-being of the child becomes affected. Other than having a higher tendency for premature and low birth weight (Martin, Hamilton, and Sutton), children born out of wedlock are most likely to suffer from physical and emotional abuse as they grow older (Hoffman).

Impact on Family MembersHaving a teen pregnancy at home can influence younger children. Since the family members had no other choice but to accept the situation as it is, the incidence of teenage pregnancy would gradually become an accepted behavior and family pattern (East and Jacobson, The younger siblings of teenage mothers: a follow-up of their pregnancy risk; East). In line with this, the negative socio-economic and health consequences associated with teenage pregnancy become a long-term cycle.

Conclusion Since teenage pregnancy could negatively affect young women’s future socio-economic status, work opportunities, the mother’s health, the well-being of the child, and the psychological and emotional condition of the family members, teenage pregnancy should be prevented by providing the students with early sex education. By doing so, young women can protect themselves not only from getting infected with sexually transmitted diseases but also the health and socio-economic consequences of becoming pregnant.