Becoming a teen parent is a major consequence of pre-marital sexual activity.
The Facts...
The U.S. ranks as having one of the HIGHEST rates of teen pregnancy.
About one million teenagers become pregnant each year, 95% of those pregnancies are unintended.
900,000 teenage girls become pregnant each year in the U.S. - that is 10% of all girls age 15-19.
2,500 teens get pregnant each day.
20% of all girls graduating from high school will have been pregnant.
Only 13% of teen mothers graduate from high school.
80% of teen mothers end up on welfare.
Raising a baby takes time and money; these two things can put a strain on a teen relationship.
Daughters born to teen mothers are 22% more likely to one day become teen mothers themselves.
Children born to teen mothers are less likely to graduate from high school and more likely to be unemployed.
ABSTINENCE IS THE ONLY 100% EFFECTIVE
WAY TO PREVENT PREGNANCY
If you are a teen parent, or become one unexpectedly, it is important to know that your life is not ruined. Despite the hardships that go along with being a teen parent, you can learn from your experience, work hard and continue to fulfill your dreams.
If you think you might be pregnant and would like some help or additional information, you can call the Option Line consultants for pregnancy resource centers in your area for answers to questions about abortion, pregnancy tests, STD's, adoption, parenting, medical referrals, housing, and many other issues. The toll-free number 800-395-HELP is available to callers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. www.pregnancycenters.org
