Chapter 35: My thoughts on Teen Pregnancy statistics

Did you know that over 750, 00 teen pregnancies happen every year? Or that only half of teen moms graduate high school.  Even worse only 2% of those get a college degree by the time they are 30. 79 % of teenagers who become pregnant are unmarried. Utah's teen pregnancy rate is high, as well as Southern teen pregnancy. Out of all teen pregnancies, only 57% end in birth. Another 14% end in miscarriage. . As a teen mom myself I find these facts both interesting and sad.
First of all education is super important. Especially for teen mothers. The best way for your child to have the best future possible is for the mother to get as much education as she can. I know its difficult to finish school while being pregnant and having a daughter. But really its needed.  As soon as I found out I was pregnant I tried to cram in as many classes and credits as I could so I could finish school early. I took a few online classes and almost a full schedule.  It was rough to do with being so sick, doctors appointments and counseling appointments,  and insane drama but I was able to graduate a semester early and get ready to start my life as a mom. I wish girls would do whatever it takes to get their diploma because supporting a family on minimum wage is almost impossible. College on the other hand is kicking my butt. I can see why only 2% get a college education by 30. Right now I am taking 2 classes and its hard.  But I know I won't give up. It might take me until I am 30 to get a degree but I am going to get it.
As an unmarried teenage mom I can easily see why most teenage parents are not married.  As you may hage read with my experiences with Joe, a baby changes EVERYTHING.  A perfect relationship can change in a heartbeat. Most people you date in your teenage years you loose contact with.  Dating is important as a teenager but knowing you probably won't end up with the guys you date is important to keep in mind. Your still immature and so are they.  You both still have a lot of changing a head of you don't settle just yet.
It amazes me that only 57% of teen pregnancies go clear to birth.  Granted miscarriages happen and you can't change that but abortion is a choice. If your a teen and you find out your pregnant that should not be an end to your life and defiantly not the blessing you just created. Even if you don't feel a child is right for you at your age or circumstances there are SO many couples who would take and love that baby in a heartbeat. Adoption is giving a life to someone who can't create it themselves and abortion is destroying a life you created and never let a chance to give life a chance. Yes being pregnant as a teenager is embarrassing and hard and the hardest thibg I've done but its possible rather you keep that blessing or choose to be the blessing to someone who needs it.
Hearing the term `teen mom` seems to be an everyday word any more. Its everywhere. You see many t.v. shows about it read articles about it and for me I live it. I dont think teen pregnancy is the worst thing that can happen to anyone sometimes its the best thing to happen. But it isn't always the easiest. It is something that should be prevented the best that we can. Unfortunately the statistics are against girls like me and our situations. educating teen girls and boys about the struggle of being a teenage parent and the effects it can and will have the rest of their lives could help.  It won't work for everyone and instead of criticism to those who make a mistake and end up as a teen parent should receive support. I couldn't get through life without the support I get. My family is absolutely AMAZING.  They support me by babysitting while I'm at work and school. They also financially support me when I need help to buy the thibgs Nixxon needs. They are there for me emotionally. My college teachers also understand why sometimes my assignments sometimes have some extra color thanks to Nixxon or why I fall behind just a little.  Being a teen parent,  even harder when your going at it alone, that's why those in this crazy situation need a support system.
Teen pregnancy may never completely vanish,  but decreasing the numbers and making those statistics better is going to be best for the most important ones involved. The kids.  They don't have a choice how or when they get here so we should do all we can to make the best of it for them.