Why is it socially unacceptable for teens to be pregnant?

Question

I'm 17, pregnant, and now back with the father of my baby. The ex I referred to when I first posted this was not the father, his family just didn't think it was exceptable for me to be pregnant and therefore didn't want him to be with me. I have already practically raised my 3 nieces because my brother and his ex-wife never should have had kids to begin with and haven't been there for their children. Both I and the father have dependable jobs that pay fairly well and he is getting an apartment this Thursday, which I will move into with him (if we're still together) after I graduate high school next year. I still plan to go to college, whether I do it right after high school or I have to wait a year or two. I know it's not going to be easy but the fact is I'm prepared and sensible about it. I kept the baby because I wanted to and the father is supportive (whether we're together or not). So what is wrong with me having this baby?

Answer 1

Because physically, financially and emotionally, you are still an immature child yourself. You may not think this now, but in about 20years you'll realize.

Answer 2

It's good that the father has a job and is willing to support the baby.
Really, years ago, it was more common for men and women to get married at a younger age than they do today.
They did so for a few reasons. One reason was that people died at 35, on average, untill the mid 1800's, when it was discovered that most diseases are caused by germs.
Another reason was that people believed in being married for life, to the same partner, so they might as well get married at 16.
Another reason people got married and had children while they were still in their teens was war. Men could get drafted into the army at 16, and if they didn't get married and have children, and they got killed in action, that would be the end of the family. No more people with that last name.

So the question should be re-worded,
"Why _has it become_ socially unacceptable for teens to be pregnant?"

If you asked me that question, I would say 1) It takes a college education for most people to make money.
2) Price of real estate (houses) has gone up , especially in the cities. (note: the main problem with teenage pregnancy is in the cities, where there is no room to build houses. In rural areas, where there is room , say your grandmother has 300 acres of land, a parcel of land (~40 acres) can be subdivided and the neighbors will even help build the house. When the population is below 10 people per square mile, new families are welcomed, because it's so lonely and there aren't many people to talk to).

3) There is no more draft. Men don't have to worry about dying in a war before they can have children (unless he enlists).

Answer 3

Teen pregnancy is known as so socially unacceptable for many reasons one of which being the age factor. When you are a teenager you change your mind about so many different things, such as jobs, marriage, kids, college, and careers. Some things you cant take back such as pregnancy. Yes its true that some teen parents are wanting and willing to take on the responsibility of a child, but many are not. Did you know that most teenage mothers that get pregnant in high school never finish school? Many don't even get their GED. OR go to college. An Associates degree in most fields is equivalent to a high school diploma. Taking on school, a job, and a baby is hard, even harder if you don't have support of family. Not only are you making decisions as a teen, but you are still growing, mentally, and emotionally. And I mean who is financially ready ever to have a baby, BUT who as a teenager is financially ready to have a baby. NOT all teens have families to rely on. Another reason is that a lot of teen parents do rely on their families a lot and that isn't always good, as a parent you have to learn to balance your life with your child's life and many times that goes unnoticed. Abortion and adoption also are known as types of birth control for teens. Unfortunately many people only see the fact that the teen is pregnant NOT the fact that the teen is bringing a life into this world. Pregnancy is a beautiful thing, and even though the initial shock of a teen pregnancy is just that a shock, people should step back and see how beautiful it is.

Answer 4

Well most find it not acceptable because they think teens are to immature to raise a baby. they also think that the father will not stay with the mother, the thing is alot of guys say they love you but when you say your pregnant there nowhere to be found. But not all teen relationships are like that I'm 20 now and i have 2 sons i had my first one when i was 19 and i just had another just this past march. I was pregnant with my first one in the last couple of months of my graduating year. I am married also. So i don't believe its a bad thing if you are ready and the guy is still with you in the end. It sounds like you both can support the baby and good luck and i hope everything works out for you.

Answer 5

Today, most people in this society have a schema on when a woman should get pregnant, and that schema consists of mostly conservative views held within the Christian faith. The conservative view entails that a woman and man should be married before having children, and having children without being married is considered sinful. Now-a-days that view has still been in place, but most people have forgotten the sin part.

Also, many people believe that 17 year old people are still young adults and do not have the mental/financial capacity to raise a child on their own. A baby requires a lot of attention and money.
Your life will change forever because of this. Lack of money will bring lots of stress for both of you and may challenge your relationship. Young fathers frequently bail out of a relationship because they feel too overwhelmed by the situation.

Hopefully you have someone reliable to take care of the child if you are forced to work long hours to keep up with the bills of raising a baby.

Good luck sweetheart.

Answer 6

I don't believe there is anything morally wrong with teenagers having babies, but it's not something I would want for someone I love. At age 17, a girl is still learning about who she is and what she wants in life. And yeah, you may have an OK job, but there aren't too many jobs that a 17 year girl can get that I would describe as paying well.

It sounds like you're making the best of a less than ideal situation, though. I'm sure you and your baby will do well.

Answer 7

Society is responsible for setting the age bracket. The main thing now is being a happy, dependable mother and knowing what you want out of life. Having a child early in life can have it's rewards but sometimes the problems come later on. Your child will take a lot of time and responsibility. If you are doing the best with your situation then just be happy about it. Continue with College you will need it. I married at 16 and had four children by the time I was 22. Even though I enjoyed growing up with my children, it was very hard on me. I found that I had little time for myself. I didn't achieve everything I wanted in life but I'm still working on this. I wish you the best of luck!

Answer 8

I do not think it is good for every teen but you sound like you are ready.And as long as you have help if you need it I wish you the best.I my self was 28 when i had my first But i was not married and it was hard but i wish i had done it sooner.I am now married to a wonderful man Father of both my girls3and 6 years old.Bit even though i was 28 i had so many telling me i was wrong to have her because i was not married and it was not right.But they was all wrong We got married when she was 2 years old and than we had another little girl.But i am 35 now and want another so bad but have been trying for 3 years So if i had do it sooner maybe i could of got prg. for a third time.so you go have a happy life with your baby.And if you ever want or need to talk i hope you have people to turn to if not give me a email i would love to keep intouch.good luck and Give you baby a hug for me when he or she is born:)

Answer 9

Take a second & think about your question
Ok let's see why is it just great that a child is having a child:
1. Your are a CHILD
2. You are missing out on your childhood
3. Your not stable
4. You have not graduated
5. You haven't planned on having a baby
6. A child is not a human, not a thing

Answer 10

When I was 17, I thought I was fairly grown-up, too, and also had a laundry list of reasons to back that up...

I wasn't. The 'wait 20 years, you'll see' answer is pretty spot on.

This is more about marriage than teen pregnancy, but it does cover a bit of that, and -- adults don't usually have to get "back with the father of (their) baby" --

http://www.economist.com/world/na/displaystory.cfm?story_id=9218127

Answer 11

Your choice to keep and raise the child.

It is not socially unacceptable. What is socially unacceptable is anyone telling you "you should have done ... (blah, blah blah)".

The baby is here and now. Your plans to continue your education is commendable. You sound intelligent and capable.

If anyone has the audacity to voice an unwanted opinion of what you "should have" I wouldn't be as polite as you sound.

Good luck.