Teen Pregnancy

Teenage pregnancy has a global effect on societies and economies. The United States has the highest teen pregnancy rate in the developed world (Centre for disease control) even though the united states has the highest teenage pregnancy rate, 3 times as higher for example then in the United Kingdom... the teenage pregnancy rate in the United States has declined by 25% in 2006, and then by 42% in 2008. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2012) Recent research shows that the rates have been decreasing. These statistics were attributed to a number of programs and efforts taken by communities and governments to decrease these rates. Some of the main factors that are helping reduce the rate of teen pregnancy include government assisted programs such as pre natal care centers, sex education in schools: promoting abstinence as well as safe sex, and the availability of contraceptives. Based on recent statistics, these collaborative efforts taken by communities, and governments across the United States have proven to be effective.

This paper covers a review of several academic journals that look into what specific roles and factors are in play that are effecting the rate of teen pregnancy and also, its declination. Limits put in place were articles that were published in the last two years for the statistics, as well as cases that stemmed from the United States since this is the geographical location where the rate of teen pregnancy is the highest in any developed or industrialized country. The purpose of this literature review is to determine which factors are clearly influencing the decrease of teenage pregnancy rates in the United States, with a view towards creating a research proposal that aims to better understand the link between societal factors and teenage pregnancy.