Discuss what the research tells us about teen pregnancy rates in the United States. What are the reasons the rate is so high compared to other developed countries? What are the consequences of this high birth rate?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Vary. Sexually active American teens are less likely to use contraceptives than are their European peers. The text also explains: "Teen pregnancy has been attributed to many factors, including the lack of sex education in school and low contraception use among teens. The "family values" discourse has been blamed for blocking comprehensive sex education to American youth, thus increasing risky sexual behavior (low contraceptive use) and teen pregnancy rates. Recent declines in the U.S. teen birthrate have been attributed to higher contraceptive use." Teen pregnancies are expensive and teen moms tend to have worse social outcomes than their childless peers including lower education, income, and lower rates of marriage. Their children also may have worse outcomes than children of older parents including health care, cognitive stimulation and nutritional inadequacies. Teen fathers may be more likely to engage in delinquent behavior and complete fewer years of school, earning less than their childless peers do.