Pregnancy and Teens

Introduction

Most teens do not plan to get pregnant. Nevertheless, about half a million teenagers give birth each year. Having a baby puts a lot of strain on a growing teen's body. Plus, being a parent is a big responsibility! On the Web site below, you will read about the reasons and risks associated with becoming pregnant as a teen.

Link to explore : Teen Pregnancy

http://www.teenpregnancy.org/wim/default.asp

• Start at the Teen Pregnancy Web site.
• Read the fact sheet pages under "Why it Matters," then click on and read the "National Information" links on the left.
• Take notes as you read.
• When you are done reading, answer the questions below.
• Finally, using the information from the link, create a brochure about the risks of teen pregnancy. Be sure to include resources for teens who want more information.

1			About how many teens get pregnant each year?
2			What percentage of teen mothers graduate from high school? From college?
3			Name two of the risks infants of teen mothers face.
4			Why do children born to teen parents often lack a clsoe connection to their fathers?
5			What other risky behaviors occur most often among teens who are sexually active?