In these modern times, the case of teenage pregnancy has become more relevant especially in the position where it is being normalized. Pregnancy at a female at the age of below twenty is termed as teenage pregnancy, or adolescent pregnancy. According to a survey, 1 out of 10 new mothers is a teen and 1,100 teenage mothers give birth every day. 

Poverty and lower educational levels are the other social determinants known to be related to teenage pregnancies. The pregnancies among teenagers usually happen outside of marriage and receive adverse social reactions in wealthy countries. In most countries, both pregnancy at an age and malnutrition and inappropriate health care may also affect anatomical health. Complications during pregnancy have become one of the most leading causes of deaths for women and girls aged 15 to 19 years in the world.

 

Reasons why teenage pregnancy occurs and is being normalized: 

• Teens get pregnant because of society.
• Society has made it seem as if it is okay for anyone to have sex at the early young age.
• Lack of comprehensiveness because of this many teens do not receive adequate information about sexual health, contraception, and responsible sexual behavior leading to unprotected sex.
• In some cultures or families there may be less open discussion about sex or early pregnancy may be normalized impacting teens perception and choices.
• The portrayal of sex in social media and pop culture can also impact teens attitudes and behavior regarding sexual activity.
• Poor communication between teens and parents or guardians, about sexual health can lead to misinformation or lack of knowledge about preventing pregnancy.
• They think that being pregnant at a very young age would be “fun” or “blessing” to have a baby and dress up and play with.
• Some teens may feel pressured to engage in sexual activity by their peers, leading to decisions that they may not be fully prepared for.
• Some young women see pregnancy as a way to attach securely to someone in their life, whether that be a man or the baby itself.

How does this affect teenagers and their parents:

Teenage pregnancy can have significant physical, emotional, social, and economic effects on the teenager involved. Here is a list/overview of the potential impacts teenage pregnancy has on the teenager.

• Physical Health Risks such as complications during pregnancy and limited prenatal care
• Emotional and Mental Health in the form of stress and anxiety, loss of identity, and feeling of worthlessness.
• Interruption in education resulting to limited career prospects
• Changes in social life such as strained relationships and stigma.
• Financial strain and dependency
• Limited life choices
• Impact on the child in terms of health complications and intergenerational effects.

Overall, teenage pregnancy can significantly alter the course of a young woman's life and the lives of those around her, both immediately and in the long term.

 

Rejecting the normalization of teenage pregnancy is essential for protecting the futures of young people and promoting their full potential. When society accepts teenage pregnancy as normal or inevitable, we deny teens the opportunity to focus on their education, personal development, and professional prospects. Teenage pregnancy frequently presents emotional, financial, and social problems that limit both the mother's and child's opportunities. By breaking the cycle of normalization, we can foster a culture that promotes responsible decision-making, empowers young people to pursue their dreams, and helps them achieve their long-term goals. It is time to increase education, access to healthcare, and awareness to ensure that every teenager has the opportunity to build a better future.

Sources:

• https://www.quora.com/Why-do-teens-get-pregnant
• https://www.quora.com/Why-are-people-normalizing-teen-pregnancy-and-supporting-it-What-are-your-thoughts-on-it
• https://www.quora.com/Why-shouldnt-we-normalize-teenage-pregnancy?ch=18&oid=95189704&share=ead55f9d&srid=3EvwsM&target_type=question
• http://www.myhealth.gov.my/en/effects-a-consequences-ofteenage-pregnancy/
• https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/teenage-pregnancy-effects
• https://www.healthline.com/health/adolescent-pregnancy