Introduction
In contemporary times, there have been increasing concerns over issues on reproductive health among younger people, particularly teenagers. Teenage pregnancy, in particular, serves as among the main points of the issue, as there is an understanding that many teenagers become pregnant due to engagement in sexual activities early on in life. Social factors, most notably through the influence of media, pressure from peers and other persuasive instances have led teenagers to the aforementioned reality. However, many teenagers are unaware that negative consequences could arise resulting from engagement in sexual activities. Setting aside moral and ethical considerations, health concerns on teenage pregnancy have become a compelling thrust for experts on reproductive health to push for a wider campaign against teenage pregnancy. Thus, the intent of this study is to present compelling health reasons that would discourage further engagement in sexual activities by teens and encourage more intensive sex education campaigns to arise. Verily, this study aims to establish that sex education is essential for curtailing cases of teenage pregnancies, which share associations with dangerous consequences on reproductive health. A perusal of available literature is instrumental in understanding the full scope of the issue, as those further establish the importance of the matter pushed by this study, as well as related research methodologies.
For this study to proceed, it is essential to identify the various research approaches suitable for presenting the findings related to the thrust of this study. In order for the study to become persuasive, the study uses ethos as its sole method of appealing. At the same time, commonly held notions that run counter to the study will find acknowledgement through refutation.
Ethos and Refutation
The credibility of the authors of the literature will become a central point for establishing the veracity of the facts motivating the contention supported by this study. Experts in obstetrics and gynecology are among those that have researched on reproductive problems associated with teenage pregnancy. Chen, et al. (368), whose study presented the argument that harmful reproductive health consequences abound teenage pregnancy, is in agreement with the findings of fellow obstetrics and gynecology experts Lao and Ho (2303). For those pushing for the importance of social support in teenage pregnancy, Turner, Grindstaff and Philips (43) presented a pragmatic approach to instilling better societal conditions for supporting pregnant teenagers and preventing similar future cases, one that supports the findings of Jones, et al. (53) on the influence of cultural factors in the rise of teenage pregnancy cases. Darroch, Singh and Frost (244), being family experts, presented in their study that the US is falling behind other developed nations in reducing the number of teenage pregnancy cases, while Frost and Forrest (188) pushed for the essential observance of teenage pregnancy prevention programs in relation to the aforementioned finding. Overall, the findings provide credible insights on the campaign this study advocates. Simply put, the credibility of the studies used serves as points of refutation against other contending parties.
Interview Targets
For this study to push through fully, it is essential to identify potential interviewees that could provide credible insights that could support and enrich the main point thus study is upholding. Triangulation of interviewees revolves around three kinds of persons – medical experts such as obstetricians and gynecologists, advocates of sex education and members of the academe well versed in matters pertaining to human sexuality.
PROPOSED OUTLINE OF THE STUDY
- Introduction
- Background of the Study
- Thesis Statement
- Literature Review and Interview Findings
- Findings on Reproductive Health Consequences of Teenage Pregnancy
- Findings on the Feasibility of Sex Education in Preventing Teenage Pregnancy
- Synthesis
- Rationale for Preventing Teenage Pregnancy
- Role of Sex Education in Preventing Teenage Pregnancy
- Conclusion
Works Cited
Chen, X., Wen, S., Fleming, N., Demissie, K., Rhoads, G., and Walker, M. “Teenage pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes: A large population based retrospective cohort study.” International Journal of Epidemiology 36.2 (2007): 368-373. Print.
Darroch, J., Singh, S., and Frost, J. “Differences in teenage pregnancy rates among five developed countries: The roles of sexual activity and contraceptive use.” Family Planning Perspectives 33.6 (2001): 244-250, 281. Print.
Frost, J., and Forrest, J. “Understanding the impact of effective teenage pregnancy prevention programs.” Family Planning Perspectives 27.5 (1995): 188-195. Print.
Jones, E., Forrest, J., Goldman, N., Henshaw, S., Lincoln, R., Rosoff, J., Westoff, C., and Wulf, D. “Teenage pregnancy in developed countries: Determinants and policy implications.” Family Planning Perspectives 17.2 (1985): 53-63. Print.
Lao, T., and Ho, L. “The obstetric implications of teenage pregnancy.” Human Reproduction 12.10 (1997): 2303-2305. Print.
Turner, R., Grindstaff, C., and Phillips, N. “Social support and outcome in teenage pregnancy.” Journal of Health and Social Behavior 31.1 (1990): 43-57. Print.
