Teenage Pregnancy In High School

Teenage pregnancy in high school

INTRODUCTION

Teenage pregnancy is defined as human pregnancy of females under the age of 20. Pregnant teenagers face issues that relates to pregnancy as older females. Teenage pregnancies are often associated with socio issues, lower level of education and rate of poverty. Teenage pregnancy in South Africa is driven by many factors including: gender inequalities; gendered expectations of how teenage boys and girls should act; sexual taboos (for girls) and sexual permissiveness (for boys); poverty; poor access to contraceptives and termination of pregnancies; inaccurate and inconsistent contraceptive use; judgmental attitudes of many health care workers; high levels of gender based violence; and poor sex education (Jewkes, Morrelland Christofides, 2009; Pandayet al., 2009; Chigona and Chetty, 2007; Bearinger, 2007; Pettifor et al., 2005)

Nearly one third teens that dropped out of school in the past five years cited teenage pregnancy. Only forty percent of teen mothers are able to finish high school and the other sixty drop out of school to nurse their babies. The teen mothers face a challenge on their school achievements. Teenage mothers are less likely to finish high school and are more likely to live in poverty, depend on public assistance, and be in poor health than slightly older mothers. Their children are more likely to suffer health and cognitive disadvantages.

Everyday almost every female who gives birth at the province’s hospital turn