Is Teen Pregnancy Cool Something These Days?

[irish-girl-08]

I just thought I'd speak out about this because I'm 18 years old my friends range from 16 to 19 but a lot of my friends and people I know are 16 /17! And to be honest I'm shocked that girls now a days in this day and age were contraception is so easy to get there's even clinics were you go on the pill for free where I live but yet everyone is pregnant!

My friend became pregnant last year just before her 16th birthday she had contraception but chose not to use it! And since she got pregnant 11 more girls I know who are all under 18 have become pregnant! I just don't understand why they chose not to use contraception when it's highly available to them! And I'm even more shocked and plain well scared of what they all have to say about it I've seen comments to each other on MySpace saying well done with your news! and awh you're so lucky I can't wait to have a baby from a 16 yr old?!!

I'm the kind of person that won't glamorize pregnancy to you so when my other friend announced she was pregnant I said you're an idiot do you know how much your life is going to change? Her reply was it won't change all my friends will mind the baby when I want to go out and my boyfriend will too and I'll still be able to go out every night of the week! I had to laugh because as much as people say oh I'll mind the baby for you anytime they change their mind really quick after the baby is born!

My best friend who had her baby a few months ago thought all these things too and planned to go back to school but now the baby's here she realized it's not glamorous at all and she can't live the same life she used to! She never sees her friends no more only me! She can't go to school again until the baby grows up! The boyfriend is never around! She hasn't been out in a year and a half and cries her eyes out every time I see her! people make remarks on her gained weight and people call her a slut even though she's not! These are the kind of things pregnant teens have to put up with!

I know this isn't partially well written but I'm just saying girls, use contraception! Seriously you have college and so many adventures to look forward to before having children and guys even if the girl says it's ok you don't have to use a condom still do never leave it up for someone else to decide ! and I would also like to add I'm not putting down teen mothers at all because I don't agree with people looking down on them at all I'm just saying if you're going to have sex under 18 please use contraception.

[girly_girl_10]

I totally agree with you I don?t understand girls these days who at my age (16) want to have a baby or already have one I?m nearly 17 now and I don?t want a baby till I?m like 30 or something I just want to take the time to have fun now until I have a baby because I know how hard it will be when I have had the baby I would be stressed all the time and you get my picture. for a while I was petrified of child birth I was scared it was going to hurt way to much but now I?m not scared about it as much but I still want to have kids but

[Anti-God]

Many girls in their teens don't realise how much they have to look after a baby. They don't realise they have to change the nappies and clean them up. They might think a baby is good now but it isn't it makes life a lot harder. Buts its there choice. Most boyfriends wouldn't stick it out as they still want to pull. From what I see on the streets most teenagers seem to think their partner will stick through it chances are 1% might stick it but rest will go and they will be stuck raising on their own.

[Darkfairie17]

Good message! I totally agree with everything you have said!t I know a lot of girls who did it on purpose, and they thought it was going to be a piece of cake. They thought they would be able to go out every day and go to parties, drink and all that, and it would be okay. Because their idea of raising a kid was basically like playing dolls. It's not, its a lot of hard work. Think back to when you were a kid! Kids are needy, they are whiney and need lots of time and care. It's not an easy job!

[WaitingAtTheDoor]

I agree. Too many girls that are inmature are having kids. Further too many boys that are inmature are having kids as well. People who have no life experience, have no education to derive from, and no way to financially, psychologically and physically provide for a child. What happens to that child's perspective when daddy isn't around, and mommy is a basket case because she has no resources and can't support the child?

I see it everyday, and those kids end up making huge mistakes.

[introspective]

By the way, I love your article. You are right on the money with this one hun and glad you have the guts to put it the way it is without pacifying.

[introspective]

My conclusion to this is what good did all our tax-paid sex education do? Evidently nothing. Bring back the arts and put more money into academics and eliminate sex education. Maybe that is the problem, not enough thinking involved in schools today. It is extremely disturbing.

[LishaJones]

I believe the school need to add a program into their circulmar on sex, teen pregnancy, safe sex techinques etc etc.. The teen pregnant rate is at it highest and its sad. I was a teen mom so I know the hardships, the struggle, these girls need to be more informed of these things. Not by a teacher, a parent, but someone who has experienced it..and teen mom herself...they need to live the life of a teen mom. Its not easy nor is it fun!!

[angelsunrise81]

I agree too! What is wrong with these young girls wanting and having babies. When I went to school girls didn't have kids before the age of 21 and if they did they were classified as the town ****. Although I wouldn't go as far as calling these girls *****, but what are you thinking????? Sure babies are cute but they grow up to be rebellious monsters. Do these young girls realize that it cost 5 - 7 thousand dollars just for basic needs like formula diapers,clothing,ect.

[Spangle]

I was at school during the 1980's . ( I know ... ancient times !) . My sex education came at the time when HIV / AIDS was a new and terrifying thing . We were terrified of sex , for the first time we knew of , it was something that could actually KILL . None of us got pregnant , we were too scared .

[aumshivashanti]

I have so much I would like to say, and being a teen parent, I feel as if I have the right to say it, but I'm not going to feed the, ignorance.@aliciaxx
You absolutely disgust me.

[aumshivashanti]

Wow. This is possibly the most ignorant t hi, g I have read all day. First of all, following you know how many teenagers got pregnant at 16-19 in the 40's-60's? A whole lot. Actually, teen pregnancy reached a historic low in 2010. So it's not a new thing that teenage girls are getting pregnant, our lifestyle has simply changed.

[thetundrawolf]

It seems cool until they realize they are caring for another human life including expense, time and energy. Abstinence is the best policy.

[da5id]

Hear hear!

anyone from the other side of the argument care to enlighten us why you chose to not use condom/pill/nuva etc.?

[phil2]

well I plan to tell my kids about condoms and pills etc when they turn 13, just in case they get raped or whatever. I mean I don't plan on having kids but if I do...

[xtine21]

I totally agree with u! 16.. wow I don't understand how girls could be so stupid. If girls have the option of using contraception &they choose not too,well they just shouldn't be having sex . It just shows how immature they are.I didn't even no girls like that existed.I understand& fully support those when the contraception they choose to use fails them. Contraception doesn't work all the time but at least it shows where ur intentions lie & ur maturity level.

[Lisa_Zhang]

its always been cool, since the dawn of time :)

[ap1100]

Because US Weekly and others parade around celebrity mommies with their baby bumps and make it look glamorous and easy. Of course, for anyone a few million dollars lighter, it's nothing but. But do you think 16 year girls are that smart or mature? Of course not. A real shame such young people can make such big life-altering decisions.

[PixelSmile]

I have so much to say on this matter. With myself being a teenager I live in an enviroment where I'm surrounded by my friends having sex, and girls around me getting pregnant and keeping the baby. Its stupid, In my eyes you should only have kids when your married, Call me old fashioned but its how I was raised. There is no need for girls my age to get pregnant, There are many forms of contreception so getting pregnant shouldn't happen. Damn I have more to say but I'm running out of room. :O

[Saygoodnitenai]

Teen pregnacy has gotten out of hand. So much of a shame! My last two years of high school they build along an addition to the school and the addition was a day care for the whole district cause 1/4 the population of woman had children. Sad.

[cjwright79]

Of course it's cool. link

[A-R-Norman]

I know a girl who started having kids at eighteen--she is 27 and has four kids--none of which live with her--she does drugs and parties--I swear to god people like this make me sick. So many decent, loving people who want kids and can't and then you have loser who think having kids is a recreational activity and simply neglect them--this is why sex ed should CONTINUE to teach girls what NOT to do and educate those who want to really learn how to protect themselves..

[A-R-Norman]

Sex ed is necessary hun--the fact that some people are listening isn't the point-- sex ed doesn't teach kids HOW to have sex--it discusses reproductive options, and discusses repercussion like pregnancy and disease. These stupid girls are not using protection because they want babies and all the ed in the world won't change it--take sex ed out of school and you have even more pregnancies due to ignorance...

[aliciaxx]

i totally agree with this, except I can't help but look down on teen moms. your right about contraception but I reallyhate how stupid girls are by thinking its great to have a kid when its really not at all.. it ruins your life and you baby probably won't have it so great either and it makes me feel really sorry for the kids. I'm 17 and could never think of bringing a child into this world.. it really makes me sick to see girls come into my work preg and can't even buy themselves a sandwich.

[Dela1111]

This just goes to show all the liberal haters who had a fit when the Pope said "condoms and contraception aren't the answer" that the availability of contraception and teaching about "safe sex" has done nothing against the increase of teen pregnancy. We shouldn't have lowered our standards to the point where abstinence is considered not only old and outdated, but completely unrealistic and uncool. This society is sick, maybe Osama was right to bomb us? And that's coming from a US Marine.

[KarKingJack]

I was actually quite offended by this article, y'know...

[Standingpretty]

Thank you for putting the message out there.Even though you weren't quite sure how to say it, it is still understandable and a good message to promote. Thanks for the message and I hope younge girls 12 and up read this too.

[samluk10]

I totally agree! It seems to be a trend! like kids are accessorizes or something! Some girls should not have kids!

[grimm_ninja]

OMG thankyou! I swear its like a trend when I live like:

one or two girls I was like aww when is it due?

Three or five umm wow okay...

Five or more ...really -_- thank you high schools for reminding me to stay on track with my future!

Now my problem is (based in my town), it has been such a coincidence that among friends they are all pregnant and all around the same time. Like really girls U_U babies are not this seasons trend, they are a permanent responsibility. >:(

[leonidas84]

Is it because you come from a culture that values getting married early?

[Sarahm8]

I think It's a disgrace. I don't associate with pregnant people who aren't married.

[friendofthefallen]

anyway, good luck to you and I think you've got a good head on your shoulderrs. Just be strong and don't be pursuaded by your pregnant peers.

In the end you will win and have an easier life. That's what my uncle told me, and he's very wise.

Look at me , I'm in my late 20s and only NOW am I planning for children with my fiance. And this is because we have decent jobs that we love.

[friendofthefallen]

ton of bricks and then they lose sleep because the baby wants to be fed at night. They fight with the baby daddy because he's really immature before AND after the baby arrives. The innocent mother f***er is just crying and crying and even though its cute and it will grow up, it will probably be in poverty since the baby momma didn't get an education and therefore doens't have a decent or high paying job. Either that or they can't work and they can't bring the baby to work and now they are stuck.

[friendofthefallen]

Well, I heard contraception isn't 100% but it greatly reduces it, however, it IS their life though and I know what you are talking about. I feel so sorry for them too especially if the guy isn't around the scene. I think they just want someone to love them and they think that this baby will do the trick. Either that or they grew up thinking that babies were like dolls that you play with and then when you're done with them you can put them away in the toy box, and then real life hits them like a

[JustinCaseUDontKnow]

My late mom was guardian to our cousin as soon as she turned age 14
my mom made her go get on birth control. It's got to do with parenting
these moms/ dads need lay the law down and tell them they need to
get on birth control. If they don't want to than expect strict parenting
rules see some teens. they got too much time on their hands they
want bfs / gfs and they don't realize the risk their taking.

[RoryOfTheDead]

I agree totally. Its not just the under18 group either, it's the women that you know are going to make awful parents that I can't stand, the immature women. Every time I go to a club or w/e, I'll see at least one girl there that's heavily pregnant. It's disgusting that not only is she risking serious probems with the child's health, but her friends aren't even trying to stop her! The NSPCC(they're the people in the UK that look into child abuse etc.) are going to have a LOT of work on their hands

[brunettebelle]

It could be that girls want to be on 16 and pregnant and Teen Mom. Some are growing up to fast wanting but don't know how to get it and end up doing stupid things.

[mike89]

I agree, its irresponsible for a teen to have a baby. Lets face it they all still live with there parents so guess whos going to spend a majority of the time watching and cleaning up for it. Also I'm assuming it was lack of common sense or knowledge about intercourse that led to them having the child so what will that tell you about there parenting skills? Finally I know a lot of women who had babys as teens and you want to guess where the guy is that got her pregnant? He's gone moved on.

[jacquesvol]

Dela 111,

Would your daughter trust you enough to ask you to receive birth control?

If the answer is "No, she wouldn't get it" or "she wouldn't dare" you'll know why she got pregnant.

[jacquesvol]

If you want to know WHY teen pregnancy is so high in the U.S. read this:

https://www.advocatesforyouth.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=419&Itemid=336

Look at the charts comparing pregnancies and birth control use with European countries. :'(

[Skadouchebag]

Amen, sister.

[prettykitty93]

Also, I feel that having children so young denies your kid all the things they could have if they had a mother AND a father, with stable jobs and an adult outlook in life full of wisdom and with those things, your child would be able to have the best life you can possibly provide, and is getting pregnant at 16 really the best thing for the baby? And my mother told me this: think of every kid you have as someone you'll have to pay through college.

[prettykitty93]

This issue just bothers me SO much, being 17 and a high school senior I've seen many pregnant girls and it just seems as though everyone GLORIFIES it! These days these things shouldn't happen, with so many things to prevent pregnancy. I don't get why teens don't understand you only have one adolecenthood, but many years ahead to be a parent. I personally don't want a child until I'm married, 25, and have a stable job at the LEAST!

[lonely_in_love]

Ummm... I agree that teen prgnancy is nothin to be happy about nor should it be glamourized but honestly if they choose to get into and stay in that situation they should be a little more realistic. I had my daughter at 17 and hated that I missed out on a lot of the end of highschool social events but none the less I graduated on time and I am now in my third year in college. there are programs designed for prego teens and its up to your friend to do some research.

[losh2112]

I totally agree with you, it seems like so many girls were pregnant when I was in school, and what really surprised me is the fact that all of their friends were congratulating them and were so happy about it. being a mother is something that is supposed to happen during adulthood. there is so much that still needs to be learned after highschool and so much that can be experienced. but when a child is in the picture, many of those things are no longer accessible.

[freetorelax]

I am so glad to see you have your head on straight about this issue. I hope you can be a powerful influence among your peers. I am a first time parent at 33 and can't IMAGINE trying it as a teenager. My baby is considered "easy," and still I can't imagine being a young, single mother. It is a LOT of work and responsibility. Let's not even get into the issue of STDs that these girls are not thinking about when they choose not to use contraception!