Teenage Pregnancy And Poverty

Improved Essays
Teen mothers come from a variety of backgrounds, yet they are disproportionately from poor backgrounds and non-white ethnicities (SmithBattle, 2006). Poverty is a strong predictor of early sexual activity among adolescents, which increases the chances of unintended pregnancy (Crooks & Baur, 2014). Even with all the best-laid plans to decrease teen pregnancy, the United States still has the highest rate of teen pregnancy in the developed world (Crooks & Baur, 2014). Teenage mothers may not finish high school or may find themselves in poverty. It is important to have resources to help these mothers so that their children do not end up repeating the same cycle of teenage pregnancies and to give her the best chance at accomplishing her goals. Housing, …show more content…
A pregnant teenage mother might be overwhelmed with all that she is facing and have no idea where to begin looking for housing, how to finish high school, or what to do once the baby arrives. School nurses have an important role to play for these teens. The nurse can be a huge advocate in assessing this student’s needs, concerns, and priorities. They can ask them to describe their goals as well as barriers and resources for attending school (SmithBattle, 2006). The school nurse can refer teens to school or community resources that are available to them (SmithBattle, 2006). The school counselor must also be armed with the information for the teens as well. If the teenage mother has already dropped out of school, it would be beneficial for her doctor to have information in order to refer her to getting the services she needs. Obstetrician offices could work closely with social workers. The obstetrician could refer her to a social worker and have her meet with them during a routine check up. This would increase the chance that she would not cancel the appointment with the social worker or not show up. The teen would be given a choice to continue working with the social worker to find housing, learn how to finish high school, and how to become an effective parent. No one should be forced to receive

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