It is a difficult choice when one decides to introduce their teenager to birth control methods. Even though the methods have been proven effective in preventing unwanted pregnancies there are many ethical and health concerns surrounding the issue (The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACBG), 2). Although there are numerous ethical, health and social disadvantages of teenagers using birth control methods, the benefits to health and social wellness of the teenagers and the society at large outweigh these disadvantages.
The biggest concern for introducing birth control methods to teenagers is to address unwanted pregnancies among teenagers. Statistics by the American Academy of Pediatricians show that nine out every ten teenagers have sexual intercourse by their 20th birthday (Levine 4). Moreover, statistics by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) show that 2011 about 330,000 babies in the US were born to young women aged 15 to 19 year (ACBG 3). In the US more than 750,000 girls aged between 15 and 19 become pregnant each year (Bridges and Etaugh, 157). The number are declining due to the usage of birth control methods, and this is seen as a step in the right direction because there will be fewer disruptions in society.
The concern for many people is that teenage parents lack the maturity and resources to bring up children let alone families. Almost all of them are in high school or college and getting a child at that age is a big disruption to the life of a teenager. Teenage mothers are likely to quit school, and this can make it difficult for them to become economically independent. Moreover teenage mother are likely to have health problems compared to those who do not get children in teenage (Ventura et al. 5). These issues complicate the convenience of teenagers having children and hence the promotion of birth-control methods among teenagers.
Some birth control methods have a positive impact in preventing sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDs. Statistics show that in 2007, approximately 24,000 people aged between 13 and 24 years were infected with the HIV (Bridges and Etaugh, 157). Usage of birth control methods such as male and female condoms has the potential to reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancies and prevent transmission of STDs as well. Experts state that condoms are not a hundred percent effective because they may be used wrongly thereby reducing their efficacy (ACBG 6). Allowing teenagers access to condoms will significantly reduce their chances of contracting STDs.
Opponents to the widespread use of birth control methods among teenagers have very valid points. To begin with the usage of birth control methods may open up teenagers to a life of reckless and promiscuous sexual behavior which will be a disruption of their education and responsible formation into adults. The usage of pills, spermicides, coils, implants and other non-barrier methods does not in any way prevent the transmission of STDs (Ventura et al 6). In fact, it increases chance some people contracting STDs because they are less worried about getting pregnant which predisposes them to be less wary of the STDs.
The worry that birth control methods may predispose teenagers to sexual promiscuity is real. However, teenagers in the modern society are engaging in sex at very young ages and doing so pervasively thereby predisposing them to unwanted pregnancies and STDs. As such, it is only wise for adults to organize effective birth control methods such as condoms as means to prevent early pregnancies and STDs. In all, there is a delicate balance on whether to or not to offer birth control to teenagers but the situation demands plenty of sex education and providing viable birth control methods to wayward teens under immense peer pressure to engage in sex.
Works Cited
Etaugh, Claire and Bridges, Judith. Women's Lives: A Psychological Exploration. Psychology Press. 2015. Print
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACBG). Frequently asked questions- Birth control. Women’s healthcare physicians.
Phillip B. Levine. The Sexual Activity and Birth-Control Use of American Teenagers. Risky Behavior among Youths: An Economic Analysis. Jonathan Gruber, editor Volume University of Chicago Press. 2001. Print
Ventura, et al.. Trends in pregnancies and pregnancy rates: Estimates
For the United States, 1980–92. Monthly Vital Statistics Report, vol. 43,
No. 11(S) (25 May). 1995. Print
