TEEN PREGNANCY

Did you know that 745,000 teens become pregnant each year? Teen pregnancy has been the biggest topic in the past 4-5 years. 34% of teen girls are pregnant before they reach the age of 20, and only 1/3 of them graduate high school.

by Tatiana Vanegas
Senior Student Life Correspondent

There are so many things to prevent pregnancy, but teens nowadays do not know about this because there are afraid to talk to their parents about the topic … SEX! It is very important even if you’re scared to sit down and speak to your parents about it.

Many high schools have noticed the teen pregnancy rate and how big of a deal it has become over the years. Our school, John F. Kennedy, offers a class for teen parents. It is called “GRADS,” and it is taught by Ms. Jackie Jones.

Here is what Ms. Jones has to say about teen pregnancy.

Reporter: What is the purpose of your class?

Ms. Jones: My class that goes under the name GRADS is a course for teen parents. The purpose is to keep parents enrolled in school and for them to graduate.

Reporter: How long have you been working with teen parents?

Ms. Jones: Since 1997.

Reporter: Do you enjoy yourself working with teen parents?

Ms. Jones: Working with teen parents is my passion. My goal is to see them graduate and succeed in life.

Reporter: How do you feel about teen pregnancy?

Ms. Jones: Honestly if it happens, it happens. I do advise them. And if they need someone to speak with I’m here to guide them.

Reporter: What advice can you give teens who are not pregnant?
 

Ms. Jones: GO TO PLANNED PARENTHOOD!! Some teens want to experience it. I really advise and encourage my students to speak to their parents, even if you’re afraid be straight about it. Ask for birth control. If you are afraid you can talk to me and I will speak to your parents and help you talk to them.

Reporter: Thank you Ms. Jones for advising not just me but also my peers and staff at school.

THE OPINION OF ONE REPORTER, HERSELF A TEEN MOTHER:

There are 3 options when pregnant: Keeping the child and raising it, adoption, and abortion. Honestly, in my opinion, though it sounds tough to do sometimes when you feel you’re not able to raise your child on your own you can look into adoption. A child shouldn’t have to suffer over our mistakes and be killed over a one night stand thing or whatever the case was.

Pregnancy is preventable, but it is up to you if you want to protect yourself from this happening. A baby can happen easil,y even if you have sex one time.  Use birth control, condoms, whatever you can do. Not only are you protecting yourself from getting pregnant but also from an STD.