Teen Pregnancy?

Question

I just think the answers to this question are very intersting and thought I'd ask it another time...
I was just wondering why people have such an issue with girls 15+ having children? I have a lot of young mothers as friends and they don't live with their parents or live off the government. I also noticed that young pregnancies are a lot more common and accepted in the south-western states...any opinions on that? I was just very curious because really if it doesn’t affect you why do people care? Why do young mothers get looks as if they have done something incredibly wrong? Why are they taken pity on even if they did want the pregnancy? Why are they considered sluts? And last but not least...why are they automatically considered bad parents?
Thanks for your insight!
-Lindsey-

I would like to add I am a "teenage parent" I am very responsible. I do not live off the government or my parents. My husband is in the Air Force and we have a very stable home. We got married when I was 17. I moved out of my parents house when I was 16 years old...graduated a year early from high school (Dec. 2003) and have a Certificate in Phlebotomy. I don't work though I could and make good money. I also attend online college courses and am hoping to get my associates degree soon. My parents weren't hippies either. I was brought up in a very strict military household. I think I turned out just fine. I have no doubt in my mind my son (6 months) will turn out great! I do respect your opinions but I just want you guys to open your eyes and see that not everything can be stereotyped as quickly as we tend to do. God Bless!

I lived in Germany there you can legally go to bars...so I have experinced that life. I've actually experinced a lot of things. Not to be rude or anything.

I lived in Germany there you can legally go to bars...so I have experinced that life. I've actually experinced a lot of things. Not to be rude or anything.

Answer 1

It is ranked on a maturity level, most teenagers are not mature enough to have children and its because it wasn't planned why would you want a kid at that age what ever happened enjoying your teen years? when you can still go out and have fun with friends and not worry about a kid you're not even 21 so you haven't even experienced the bar? (legally) that's just my opinion you asked and I'm giving it. I don't look at young mothers with any kind of a look. This is the way I view life everybody is different so as long as it doesn't raise my taxes from people being on welfare than I don't care. Good Luck with everything I'm glad it worked out for you!! and you're happy!!!

Answer 2

I come from the midwest and teen pregnancy, though it happens, is not as common there as it is in some parts of the country. I don't automatically think of young mothers as sluts or bad parents. When I was a teen the thought of a pregnant girl my own age was shocking, simply because I knew that I wouldn't have been ready for it. Now that I am the mother of a little girl and have a second daughter on the way, I feel concern for young mothers. Not every girl that gets pregnant at a young age has a boyfriend or husband willing to help raise the child. Not every young mother has parents who are accepting of a grandchild from their own child.

If it was my daughter, I would be concerned because there is no guarantee she would be able to fulfill her life goals. You have done quite well for yourself, but unfortunately not every mother does, no matter what her age. I would support my daughter if she got pregnant as a teen, but I will definately talk to her about what responsibility means, perhaps she will choose not to have sex as a teenager, and that would suit me just fine. No mother wants to see her child struggle, and I can't help thinking that having a baby as a teen would be a struggle.

Answer 3

God forbid, your husband dies while serving time abroad. What will you do?

I'm not saying that teenage pregnancy is a bad thing, but I think a womans body needs more time to mature in all aspects. Believe it or not, teenage mothers may end up with medical complications in the future, more over than non-teenage mothers.

I also think it's a factor of the times we live in. Our parents were parents were not brought up in a society where they had children in High school. They grew up in a time where that was unacceptable and would actually be thrown out the house.
Lets also keep in mind that teenage pregnancies are now acceptable by various cultures as well, such as Hispanic / Latino's. As an Indian - my culture would NOT accept it, but it's a toss up depending on the parents.

Good Question!

Answer 4

I'm not sure why we get dirty looks, we were just the one's who actually GOT pregnant! And i wouldn't have it any other way! I love my son with my whole heart! I don't live with my parents, or depend on the government either! I do not feel that i am a bad mom, but actually a good one. I'm 18 years old, I got pregnant when I was 17. I did graduate High School and I'm going to college in the Spring. And I don't feel that my son was a mistake, he's been the best thing to happen to me! I am right there with you Lindsey!

Answer 5

The only thing about being a teen mother that concerns people is that young girls are having children. Children shouldn't have children because they are still growing up themselves. I don't think there's really anything wrong with being a teen mother and I'm sure not everyone gives teen mother's dirty looks and calls them sluts. It's just not the smartest thing to get pregnant while your still growing up. People have a lot of potential if they really want to work for it but when a baby comes along you have to set aside those things that you wanted because now your priority is your baby.

Answer 6

married at 16 and still married to the same guy after 25 years! avoid the negatives, we are very involved in church, and I have had through the years many great mentors (and some that were just downright harmful inadvice). I have been told 'I missed out', "its OK to look or fantasize about other guys cause your were so young'. (WRONG! It is bad!) Don't listen to bad advice, you and our hubby are what matters in the end. now, we are happy parents of a two guys 25 and 23, both married, and we have two grandkids. Ooh, wait till that time! grandma at 38! the cycle starts again! (both my guys make $$, and are invovled in ministry & missions) people ask if my guys are single dads, mom on welfare! oh my! and I thought teen parenting was the only issue! here is a link to a great marriage site we recently attended his seminars. he is suposed to be doing some seminars with the military families. Guys love his program. It's not one of those feel-good touchy feely get-in-touch with yourself programs. It is funny, and gets to the point. guy stuff. ladies can laugh.

Answer 7

It does effect me, sorry but that was ignorant to say. when someone is on welfare it effects my taxes. When a young girl has a baby, her child will more thank likely have a baby at a young age and so it continues. I

T is not okay in MY OPINION. I never said these girls were bad parents BUT if a teen decides to have a baby, or anyone else who is single they should get no assistance since it was their choice! ( except rape and that has to be proven and rapist must go to trial ) except from the person who got them pregnant or their parents who didnt really do their job all that well in encouraging their children to be safer or not to have sex.

So if you can be a teen and not receive assitance, good for you and this also means no free rides to college either. I was a teen not to long ago and I had sex as a teen but I also was on birth control, I paid for it and I even my parents I was having sex. This communication was crucial to my up bringing. I didnt want to disappoint my parents who worked so hard for me and my siblings to be have the best they could afford.
at least you got married =)

Answer 8

Well I am 15 and not a teen mother and i never hope to be no offense though I do hope to be a mother at some point but i just want to say good going on raising your son on your own and not having an abortion just b/c u were young... too many girls do that and i think it is really sad and irresponsible

Answer 9

I think its great that you are on the right track, but there are alot of teens that arent, these kids under the age of15 or 16 have no business even having sex, I feel if you arent of legal age to work or drive you have no business with a baby thats when welfare and US tax payers money comes in. Come on Ive seen 12 year old girls pregnant and thats just wrong they dont have the mental capasity to take care of a baby or financialy support it at that age. It just depends on your maturity level I feel kids under 16 realy dont have it.

Answer 10

I think it's great that you are taking care of your baby, but I think teens should definitely avoid getting pregnant until they are done with school, in a stable relationship, and finacially self sufficient. Also, you need to be ready emotionally. You want the baby to have the best start possible.