When googling the meaning of teenage pregnancy this definition appears, “Teenage pregnancy is defined as a teenage girl, usually within the ages of 13-19, becoming pregnant.” This definition does not begin to cover the collateral damage that teen pregnancy brings on many teens, in not only America but all over the world. There are many negative long term consequences to being a teen parent or the child of a teen parent, and because of this numerous pregnancy prevention programs have been created. As implied in the short story “Girl” written by Jamaica Kincaid many girls are pressured to grow up faster than they should, teen pregnancy certainly causes girls to grow up faster than the average teen. There are many negative results of having a child at a young age. It is becoming more and more apparent that the number of teen mothers that attend college is dramatically low. Not only is the amount of teenage mothers that attend college low, but also the number that finish high school and graduate with a high school diploma. Being a parent is a major responsibility, but sadly in most cases of teen pregnancy the father abandons his responsibilities as a parent. Also most mothers that are under the age of 19 are more likely to be less responsive to their child in things such as schools, and other activities. …show more content…
Teen pregnancy has long and short term effects on the health of a child. Children of adolescent parents are more likely to have behavioral problems. Chronic medical conditions are also a major problem that many children born to teen parents often suffer. Some say it’s a vicious cycle. A teen has a child at a young age, which often leads them to drop out of school. Their child is also more likely to drop out of school as well. Not only are they more likely to drop out of school, but also the child of a teen parent is also likely to have a child at a young