Girls from disadvantaged families are much more at risk of early pregnancy. Firstly, children from dysfunctional families often suffer from a lack of sexual education. Pregnancy at a young age is a consequence of early sexual initiation, improper or no contraceptive use, and a lack of awareness among adolescents (Yglesias, 2012). Secondly, early pregnancies of girls from disadvantaged families are directly linked to their disadvantaged economic status (Hanes, 2012). The wealthier the family, the more dignified the upbringing it can provide and vice versa (Engber, 2012). Girls from disadvantaged families mostly give birth because it seems the only way out of their situation and the only way of life.
The problem of teenage pregnancy prevention is handled inter-agencyly. Three types of services – the family planning service for preventing early pregnancies, the medical service work together effectively. The main task of these services is to provide adolescents with access to quality sex education (Rector, 2012). It is not a question of “keeping away” from knowledge about one’s sexuality or informing about the possibility of contracting an STI, the increased likelihood of “getting infected” when intoxicated, or HIV/AIDS. Most researchers see sexuality education as more than just information about biology and contraception. The main thing is to raise positive standards in the younger generations and provide the foundations of morality. It means the formation of values of a healthy lifestyle, children’s self-esteem, a conscious attitude to parenthood, positive marriage, and family attitudes, and a culture of gender relations. Sexuality education is not limited to contraception and protection from disease but is part of personal formation and includes health issues and moral, legal, cultural, and ethical aspects.
References
Engber, D. (2012). Are Humans Monogamous or Polygamous? Web.
Hanes, S. (2012). Teenage pregnancy: High US rates due to poverty, not promiscuity. Web.
Rector, R. (2012). Marriage: America’s Greatest Weapon Against Child Poverty. Web.
Yglesias, M. (2012). Why Are Teen Moms Poor? Web.