Indeed, one U.S. survey (AGI, 1994) indicates that 80% of students between the 8th and 11th year (between 13 and 16 years old) are victims of messages or unwanted sexual advances, from another student. In addition, 60% of these same students say they themselves have already taken action or expressed about unwanted sex.Finally, more than half of teens aged 15 mentioned having never discussed contraception or STDs with their parent, while a third said they had never discussed fertility or reproduction.
Implications and consequences - The consequences of this increase in teenage pregnancy are very serious, with impact on quality of life of adolescents and that of their offspring. Among these consequences, there are STDs that can be fatal or incurable, abortion and adoption as well as cognitive and behavioral disorders of children of adolescents.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases - The risk for sexually active adolescents for STDs is higher than the risk of pregnancy. About three million teenagers contract an STD each year, which corresponds to 25% of sexually active adolescents. Moreover, they represent a quarter of all new cases of STDs per year. Sex, age and number of partners are among the factors influencing the transmission of STDs.
Firstly, women are more at risk than men because their anatomy facilitates the transmission of infections. They are twice as likely to contract gonorrhea, chlamydia and hepatitis B following a single unprotected sex with an infected partner. Then, more adolescents become sexually active at a young age, they are more at risk of contracting an STD.
On the one hand, because they have fewer antibodies against STDs and secondly, because they are less likely to use contraceptives because of cost and inconvenience associated. In addition, partners of adolescent girls are often older, more experienced and therefore more likely to have an STD.Obviously, a large number of partners is at a higher risk of transmission of STDs. Finally, the implications of these STDs can be very serious, ranging from infertility, cancer, HIV infection and AIDS.
Abortion and adoption - The third of a million teenage pregnancies each year choose to have an abortion (AGI, 1994).Most of them are young and low income that influence this decision. Although married adolescents are more likely to complete their pregnancy, 25% decided however to have an abortion. On the other hand, research shows that teens who choose abortion are more like those who are not pregnant. Indeed, these two groups of adolescents from families of low socio-economic status and they have further aspirations for their future.
Moreover, some teens decide to give their child up for adoption after birth. This decision is influenced by several factors, such as the relationship with the family, attachment to the fetus during pregnancy, family support, cognitive development, participation in activities guided decision making and the opportunity to consider alternatives. It is important to note that adolescents who choose abortion or adoption may experience intense emotions related to bereavement.
Children of teenage parents - Support social and economic limits of teenage unrealistic expectations towards children and parenting, and their immature development predisposing factors contribute to the children of adolescent developmental disabilities and social problems.
First, when families of pregnant adolescents are reluctant to pregnancy, prenatal care are often inadequate, increasing the risk of health problems for the child and the need for frequent hospitalization during the 'childhood.Secondly, the fact that adolescents are immature and often focus on themselves, preventing them from being sensitive to the developmental needs of their child. Furthermore, many children of teen parents show low cognitive abilities, learning disabilities and behavioral problems. They are also more likely to develop adjustment problems and to demonstrate low social skills.