When Motherhood Isn't Welcome – The Reality on Teen Pregnancy
By Raynah Sivaraman

"I'm pregnant...."

Karen feels numb while she repeats these two words to herself. And, as they slowly sink into her consciousness, there is a quickening sense of fear, shame and desperation. Her immediate future suddenly seems like a nightmare, forever altering the course of her life. She pictures herself lumbering and shapeless, with all eyes questioningly on her. She imagines, with growing dread, her family's consternation when they hear "the news". She ponders over how and when she could inform them gently.....which person could she first confide in....mother, sister, aunt, cousin, or friend? There follows all the agony of dealing with decisions that must surely arise, the embarrassment of such a condition, and, above all, a deep sadness. She had turned seventeen just a few months ago, and next year, she would graduate from high school. To Karen, motherhood just isn't welcome.

Joey is trying to concentrate on what his professor is explaining, but he can't. Just over an hour ago, he had received a text message from Karen....It contained just two words that shocked him. Now slowly, anxiety and regret seep in. He had been impetuous and foolish to coax Karen into that situation...he never quite took stock of the consequences. Joey worries...would he have to marry Karen? He isn't yet earning and also, while he does like her very much, he's not quite sure he'd want to marry her. He wonders if she could have an abortion. But wouldn't that cost money? How would he raise that amount without first having to tell his parents? His heartbeats quicken and his palms turn sweaty.

Contrary to popular perception, an unplanned pregnancy does cause an enormous amount of tension to the teenage father too. Wouldn't Joey feel like a coward by not admitting that he's the father? Karen is actually pregnant because of him, and it's not easy to shrug off responsibility...or, to blank out a memory.....or to deny. No, it's not easy to forgive oneself a mistake that could have well been avoided.
A teen pregnancy always has a negative impact – physically, mentally, emotionally and socially -- on both the teenage couple and their yet unborn child. Yet, the facts and figures indicate that teen pregnancies happen with unfortunate and alarming frequency in our country. The 2002 Young Adults Fertility Survey in the Philippines underscores the urgency of this problem and the crucial need for teenagers like Karen and Joey to be conscious of its devastating toll on teenage lives:

• More than one-third of young females conceive before marriage
• 30% of all births occur among women from 15-19
• 74% of all illegitimate births occur among women from 15-19
• 400,000 induced abortions are performed every year – and 36% of these are in the young women's group.

It is likely that the growing number of teen pregnancies could stem from an ignorance of certain basic facts regarding sex and their sexuality, and an inability to act responsibly. Karen may never have been pregnant if she had been encouraged to build communication and decision-making skills; if she had taken precautions and been able to obtain advice and services in an environment that is safe and supportive. Joey may never have allowed the relationship to get to that physical level if he understood more clearly that he had to be "sexually responsible" in his behavior and attitude. Teenage pregnancies always reflect society's failure at three levels – family, educational institution and community -- to nurture and support its youth in the adolescent stages.

For Karen, it was her first sexual intercourse – she had not planned on it, it just happened. Yes, Joey was her steady boyfriend for just two months and she felt she loved him....but suddenly, with her pregnancy, feelings of love evaporated and all she now felt was fear and apprehension. If only Karen and Joey had known and understood clearly, without any doubt, that every sexual intercourse holds the possibility of a pregnancy....even the first sexual intercourse.

The 2003 NDHS (National Demographics and Health Survey) has revealed that:

• 6 out of 10 male teenagers between 15-19 years are aware of the use of a condom, but only 2 out of 10 used one during their first sex experience. In other words, 40% of male teenagers knowingly risk an unplanned pregnancy even during their first sexual encounter.

To Karen, her pregnancy involves more than just a loss of face or putting up a brave front in the neighborhood and among family/friends....though, admittedly, even that is a singularly difficult and embarrassing process. The consequences of a teenage pregnancy are far-reaching and involve immense health risks to both the teenager and her baby. There are also certain socio-economic effects that negatively impact such a situation.

Health Effects

During pregnancy, teenagers are despondent in doing what it takes to protect and enhance their own health and the health of the fetus. Doctors confirm that pregnant teenagers are less likely to gain adequate weight during their pregnancy. This leads to low birth weight for the babies, which is associated with infant and childhood disorders as well as a high rate of infant mortality. Doctors say that low birth weight babies are more liable to have organs that are not fully developed and this generally results in complications such as bleeding in the brain, respiratory distress syndrome and intestinal problems.

A pregnant teenager is also more likely to suffer depression and this manifests itself in poor eating habits during pregnancy and the consequent inability to gain the weight required for giving birth to a healthy baby. The burden of responsibility on still-immature and reluctant shoulders, make pregnant teenagers unwilling to follow the doctor's instructions in terms of nutrition or taking their vitamins. They tend to regard their condition joylessly, perhaps fearfully, and sometimes experience waves of despair. In their emotional distress, teenage mothers are also more likely to smoke, drink or take drugs and this causes health problems for the baby.

Doctors reveal that pregnant teenagers are less likely to seek and adhere to a regular prenatal care routine, mainly out of embarrassment over their condition or a lack of monetary resources. Prenatal care is essential for monitoring the growth of the fetus, keeping the mother's weight in check and informing the mother on nutrition and exercise, so as to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Lack of prenatal care can have detrimental effects on both the mother and child.....but a teen who already feels cheated of her future, may tend to feel unconcerned.

Socioeconomic Effects

A child born of an unplanned teen pregnancy is also likely to suffer some ill-effects arising from certain unfavorable socioeconomic conditions. The concept of a family develops very early in life, and such children do get messages, both implicit and explicit, that make them realize the lack of a "traditional family" set-up in their lives. This often gives rise to emotional insecurity. Surveys indicate children born to teenage mothers can experience social, emotional and other problems that negatively impact their attitudes, abilities and values. Some of the socio-economic effects on teenage parents and their children are:

• Teenage mothers are more likely to drop out of school or not pursue their studies.

• Teenage pregnancies are associated with an increased rate of delinquent behaviors in fathers, including alcohol and substance abuse, lower educational level and reduced earning potential.

• As a result of improper nutrition, health care and social as well as cognitive stimulation, the children of teenage parents may tend to be disinterested in developing their intellect and would lack the enthusiasm for any academic pursuits.

• They run a higher risk of abuse and neglect, given their circumstances.

• Surveys done in the US indicate that:

• Boys born to teenage mothers are 13% more likely to be incarcerated.

• Girls born to teenage mothers are 22% more likely to become teenage mothers.

Teenagers can learn to be sexually healthy individuals by:

• Acquiring information on hygiene, bodily changes, identity, peer pressure and individuality. In other words, teenagers like Karen and Joey need "sex education".

• Building skills so as to develop greater confidence and responsibility, and an ability to communicate and make decisions. This helps immensely in eliminating factors such as "it suddenly happened" and "in the heat of the moment" that characterize so many teenage pregnancies.

• Obtaining proper advice and emotional support on the advantages of not rushing into sexual relationships and the necessity of using contraceptives to prevent health risks and pregnancies.
Sexual Responsibility has Five Basic Dimensions:
Both Karen and Joey were sexually irresponsible and that led to a pregnancy. Surprisingly, there are teenage mothers who also give birth to a second baby within two years...almost in defiance of the "once bitten, twice shy" adage, and in total disregard of the many negative ripple effects of such a pregnancy. These situations can be prevented if teenagers like Karen and Joey develop sexual responsibility that enables them to:

• Respect oneself and others: Teenagers who formulate their own set of values without being influenced by the values of friends ("you must have sex") or the values of the media ("sex is great!"), or even their own sexual feelings and intense emotions, learn to be sexually responsible. While always respecting the values of others, teenagers must have the moral courage not to compromise on their own values and beliefs. This is a mark of individuality and moral courage.

• Make responsible choices: It is important for teenagers to know what they want out of life so that they can make choices. Sex and sexual intimacy do not happen by accident – they are based on who you go with, where you go, what you do and what you have with you. The choice made must never be somebody else's decision. It has to reflect and support the dreams, goals and future plans of a teenager and the kind of person he/she is.

• Know how to say "No": Sexual sharing is best enjoyed as part of a relationship when the time is right and both partners are ready....and when a relationship has turned into a friendship. Contrary to the messages from the media, sex does not create closeness and real love does not need sex in order to grow.

• Recognize and accept the consequences of one's sexual behavior: its effects on oneself, on one's partner, on loved ones and on others. It is also about caring for the other's feelings and well-being.

• Communicate with your partner: share doubts, express concerns on health and sexual risks, communicate feelings about appropriate sexual behavior and sexuality, talk about safe sex and the need to avoid an unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

Sexual Responsibility can only be inculcated by providing teenagers with the emotional support and understanding that allows them to express their doubts, fears and experiences....and empowers them to grow into well-balanced individuals. A4Y (Advocates for Youth) Philippines Foundation works at disseminating information that encourages healthy and responsible decisions among the youth. It is actively campaigning to encourage social and sexual responsibility and values for the youth who, as the next generation, are accountable for the country's future. Please do visit the A4Y website that aims at encouraging openness and understanding of the needs of the youth, their problems as well as their emotional and physical wellbeing.

Above all, do subscribe to the A4Y belief that motherhood is a state of life reached through responsible choice. It is NOT meant for a teenager.