The Impact of Teen Parenting on Teens, Their Children, and Society

My friend, Jenny, is a great researcher and here is some information she put together regarding teen pregnancy and its impact on teens, their children and society.

Disclaimer: This is research-based information, and while we know there are exceptions to all of these findings, this is the world of teen pregnancy which we need to face. This information is another reason why MWC's efforts to encourage sexual abstinence, adoption, and spiritual truth are so critical!

One way we can use this information is that in discussing the option of adoption with teens we can help them consider the real impact of single parenting for both their children and themselves. We would, of course, support any choice that honors life, but this information can be helpful in advising pregnant teens, especially when there is no father in the picture . . . but that discussion is for another post.

From "Emerging Answers 2007: Research Findings on Program to Reduce Teen Pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Diseases"

About 75 of every 1,000 girls age 15 to 19 became pregnant in 2002, which means that cumulatively, more than 30 percent of teenage girls in the US become pregnant at least once by the age of 20. Despite declines in all major racial/ethnic groups, there remains large racial/ethnic disparities in these rates. More then 80% of these pregnancies are unintended by the mothers.

About 40 of every 1,000 girls age 15 to 19 gave birth in 2005. This is important because births to teens have negative consequences for the mother and her children. Despite recent declines in overall birth rates to teens, the percentage of births to unmarried girls under age 20 has risen dramatically, reaching 83% in 2005. This is important because births outside of marriage generally have more negative consequences for both mothers and their children.

Teenage mothers are less likely to complete school, less likely to go to college, more likely to have large families, and more likely to be single--increasing the likelihood that they and their children will live in poverty. Negative consequences are particularly severe for younger mothers and their children.

Children of teenage mothers are likely to have less supportive and stimulating home environments, lower cognitive development, less education, more behavior problems, and higher rates of both incarceration (for boys) and adolescent childbearing (for girls).

Monetary costs are also high. Teen child bearing cost taxpayers $9.1 billion in 2004.

From "A Work in Progress vs. 2: Building a Minnesota State Plan for Teen Pregnancy Prevention and Parenting"

It has been clearly established through research that teen pregnancy and welfare reliance, lack of school success and reduced employment opportunities go hand in hand.

National data show that 80% of teens giving birth are already living in poverty. They are less likely to finish high school or go on to college, and their children are at greater risk of low birth weigh, high infant mortality, and childhood health problems.

The concrete costs associated with teen pregnancy and parenting are equally shocking. Families started with a teen birth account for 53% of all welfare expenditures, or $13.3 million each month in 2001. (MN Department of Human Services)