Advantages And Disadvantages Of Teen Pregnancy Essay Example

While pregnancy is always a blessing for the female, couple, and family, it can have drawbacks when someone isn't prepared, especially for teen parents. Teen parents, the most inexperienced and unprepared group of all parent groups, are more likely to become pregnant unexpectedly and through unprotected sex. While their naive mindsets may believe that raising a child isn't difficult, teen pregnancy has many consequences that can affect them both immediately and over time. Some of the most common issues for teen parents include a low chance of obtaining a high school diploma and the child not having both parents. Another consequence is the teen father's lack of financial stability to provide for the child. The first consequence for both teen parents is a lower likelihood of graduating from high school and receiving a diploma. According to statistics, “by the age of 22, only around 50 percent of teen mothers have received a high school diploma and only 30 percent have earned a General Education Development (GED) certificate” (Youth). Teen fathers' chances of graduating high school are also "25 to 30 percent lower...than teenage boys who are not fathers" (Youth). Teen parents have a low probability of getting their high school diploma because many need to work and take care of their children. Many teenagers can’t balance work, school, and taking care of their children, so teen parents tend to drop school and focus on working to provide for their children. But because they focus on working, they usually don’t go back to school to pursue higher education to get better jobs. Because of this, many families with teen parents suffer from poverty due to low income. Living in poverty tends to put on more challenges for the parents and children, such as not getting enough food and water. This is one example of a long-term consequence of teen pregnancy. 

Furthermore, raising a child without both parents is a consequence of teen pregnancy. Experts discovered that “8 out of 10 teen fathers do not marry the mother of their child” after compiling statistics from various states in the United States of America over the years (Do Something). This statistic shows that few teen couples stay together to raise a child. This can have a significant impact on the child's life. When children do not live with both parents, they are more likely to cause problems at school, use drugs or alcohol, and drop out of high school (Kelly). According to research, they had low self-esteem and were more likely to commit suicide than children who lived with both parents (Kelly). These issues are primarily the result of their environment, as being a child of a teen parent is highly stigmatized. Children are more likely to be bullied and influenced by those around them. They are also easily swayed into developing bad habits because they lack a guide. So, while teen pregnancy has a significant impact on the mother and father, it can significantly impact the child.

Finally, whether present or abstinent, having the financial stability to provide for the family impacts the teen father. Whether present or absent from the child's life, the father is still obligated to help the mother and child by providing for them directly if present or paying child support if absent. Whatever path they take, it will be difficult for them to provide for their family because they are only a teenager. As previously stated, 8 out of 10 couples do not remain together, so many teen fathers pay child support. While they can pay less than $800 in child support per year (Do Something), it is still difficult for a teen father to work and attend school. Sometimes, a judge hearing the teen couple's case may refuse to order the teen father to pay child support. Instead, they may require the teen father to look for work to support the mother and child in the future (Law Help MN). Similarly, teen fathers who stay with their mother and child will need to find work to support them. As previously stated, because teen fathers must provide for their families, the percentage of teen fathers graduating from high school is “25-30% lower” (Youth). Whether the father stays or does not stay with his family, he will bear a heavy burden. He will have to figure out how to balance school and provide for his family. This is a repercussion for the father. 

Overall, teen pregnancy has both advantages and disadvantages. While bringing new life into the world is a blessing, it is not without its drawbacks. Dropping out of high school, not living with both parents, and the father's lack of financial stability are three potential consequences of teen pregnancy. While it is unavoidable to plan for every eventuality, it is critical to ensure that we are doing the best we can in our circumstances. It will not only benefit the child, but it will also benefit the mother, father, and family.