Finding out you’re pregnant in higher school is probably one of the most terrifying points that could happen to a girl. While teen pregnancy rates have actually been on the decline for decades, U.S. teens are still topping the charts among the most-produced countries in the world. Yet contrary to just what judgmental (or simply concerned) adults might tell you, unintended pregnancy isn’t constantly a result of somebody being irresponsible concerning sex. Even if you take every precaution, deciding to have actually sex means accepting that points can easily go wrong — no means is 100% efficient at preventing pregnancy various other compared to abstinence. Condoms break. Birth manage fails (or is used incorrectly). And if you suddenly Discover out that you’re pregnant, the crucial thing to understand is that you don’t should figure this out alone.
So let’s set aside every little thing we think we understand concerning teen pregnancy and brush up on the facts. Here, a highlight reel:
Two-thirds of young unmarried mothers are poor, along with 25% going on welfare within three years of a child’s birth.
When you have actually sex for the initial time determines your pregnancy risk: 46% of teenage girls and 22% of teenage boys that have actually sex before the age of 15 have actually been involved in a pregnancy. For teens that have actually sex for the initial time at 15 or older, the risk declines to 25% and 9%, respectively.
Thirty percent of teenage girls that lose from higher school do so due to pregnancy or parenthood.
Wesley Johnson
Almost 1,700 teenage girls grab pregnant every single day. That’s 70 girls every hour.
Roughly 82% of teenage pregnancies aren’t planned.
Only 38% of teen mothers that have actually a kid prior to they turn 18 have actually a higher school diploma, and much less compared to 2% earn a college degree by age 30.
In 2014, one in 6 (17%) teen births to 15- to 19-year-olds were to girls that already had one or a lot more babies.
Wesley Johnson
Even though teen pregnancy rates are at an all-time low, 3 in 10 American teen girls still experience pregnancy.
Compared to the teenage birth rates in various other produced countries, America’s are the highest: two times as higher as Australia’s and Canada’s, three times as higher as France’s, three and a half times as higher as Germany’s, 6 times as higher as the Netherlands’, and seven times as higher as Japan’s.
Only 20% of fathers of youngsters born to teen moms marry the mothers.
Roughly 18% of women having abortions in the U.S. are teens.
Wesley Johnson
The birth rates for African-American, Hispanic, and Native American teens are over two times that of white and Asian American youth.
Almost half of young women in foster care have actually been pregnant by the time they turn 19, compared to 27% of 19-year-olds overall. Similarly, half of young men in foster care have actually impregnated somebody by age 21, compared to 19% of young men not in the system.
Knowledge Is Power
If you or a friend are pregnant and don’t understand where to begin or that to turn to, don’t fret — there are oodles of wonderful resources available to guide you through the process of a) knowing your choices and b) deciding on a game plan:
Planned Parenthood: Learn concerning your choices by calling 1-800-230-7526, or by checking out the (many) articles on the award-winning PP website.
American Pregnancy Helpline: every little thing you ever wanted to understand concerning pregnancy then some — plus a 24-hour, free, and confidential helpline at 1-866-942-6466.
Birthright International: Birthright Worldwide provides free and confidential services to all of women that are facing an unplanned pregnancy, including a 24-hour helpline at 1-800-550-4900.
StandUpGirl: Whether you’re pregnant or simply worried you may be, this remarkable pregnancy support network has actually got your back.
TeensHealth: If you’re worried concerning breaking the news to your parents, this site offers a thorough guide on exactly how to begin an honest conversation along with them.
Adoption.com: This site explains the entire adoption process — exactly how to go with a family, exactly how long the process takes, and just what to expect after the fact. You can easily additionally join online forums for emotional support.
TeenBreaks: TeenBreaks offers info and help on strong complications enjoy pregnancy, abortion, adoption, relationships, and sexual abuse. It’s an interactive website where you can easily share stories, ask questions, and Discover support.
Baby Safe Haven: Save Haven Infant Protection Laws offer a individual the option to offer up an unwanted baby anonymously free of fear of being prosecuted (so long as the baby hasn’t been abused). Call 1-888-510-2229 for details.
Birth & Babies: This site offers free online classes for soon-to-be moms and brand-new parents alike.
Penn Foster: Penn Foster is an uber-popular online school where you can easily complete higher school and earn a college degree.
Related: Teen Birth Rates For These 2 Teams Are Down — Yet There’s a Catch