According to World Health Organization (WHO, ) newsroom article it stated, “ Every year, an estimated 21 million girls aged 15–19 years in developing regions become pregnant and approximately 12 million of them give birth.” In addition the article says it can be great consequences for a teen. 

‘’Adolescent pregnancy is a global phenomenon with clearly known causes and serious health, social and economic consequences. Globally, the adolescent birth rate (ABR) has decreased, but rates of change have been uneven across regions . . . . Adolescent pregnancy tends to be higher among those with less education or of low economic status. Further, there is slower progress in reducing adolescent first births amongst these and other vulnerable groups, leading to increasing inequity.” 

This means that teens who have bad grades, poor attendance and other issues may be more likely to get pregnant. For teens, having a baby is often too much responsibility and some teens may not know how to provide for their kids  and wouldn’t understand what the concepts are to take care of  a baby. 

For instance, if you are a teen parent managing school getting there on time, getting the baby up. Both of you getting dressed, getting the diaper bag. And, if the baby cries then it disrupts the whole house and maybe even class if they are allowed to bring the baby to school. And, then who’s going to take care of their baby when they have to go to school. And if there is no one to help that means taking them to school or dropping out. 

Now they have to find ways to make money and if they don’t have support they can’t get a job because they can’t bring the baby to work.It’s not impossible, but it will be very difficult without support.

“Based on data, 55% of unintended pregnancies among adolescent girls aged 15–19 years end in abortions, . . “which are often unsafe in this age group. 

Adolescent mothers (aged 10–19 years) face higher risks of eclampsia, puerperal endometritis and systemic infections than women aged 20–24 years, and babies of adolescent mothers face higher risks of low birth weight, preterm birth and severe neonatal condition.  In this evolving context, WHO continues its work across sectors to support countries to address adolescent pregnancy effectively in the context of their national programmes, and to prevent child marriage and provide care and support to married adolescents

If you are a teen who gets pregnant in LAUSD then you have help even though having a baby will be a challenge, LAUSD has a bulletin number 2060.1 titled Pregnant and Parenting Students Educational Rights which basically means that you have rights to continue your education and get help with accommodations to support you during your pregnancy. 

If you are not sure what to do or think you may be pregnant, visit Planned Parenthood on the second floor.

You have the right to attend school and not be denied rights to participate in other school events including your graduation. So if you are pregnant or know someone who is, don’t be afraid and seek help from your counselor immediately and no matter what, finish school.