Teenage Pregnancy and the Abortion Debate

Teenage Pregnancy and Abortion

Abortion (noun)- the termination of a pregnancy after, accompanied by, resulting in, or closely followed by the death of the embryo or fetus (Webster, 1). In America today, abortion seems to be a topic that is widely discussed and debated. However although it is frequently talked about, it is also frowned upon and shamed by others. In fact, some Americans feel it is wrong to even mention the word abortion in general. Why is that the case? Why are women shunned and shamed for having an abortion when all they’re doing is protecting their lives and their unborn child? This is especially true in teenagers who become pregnant because they are more at risk for medical and economical issues. Therefore although it is

First, teenage mothers are more susceptible to high blood pressure. “Pregnant teens have a higher risk of high blood pressure--called pregnancy-induced hypertension—than women in their 20’s or 30’s”(4). WebMD further explains that the medication used for such symptoms can ‘disrupt the unborn baby’s growth, and lead to further pregnancy complications’ (4). The other pregnancy complications include premature birth and low-birth-weight babies, which tend to go hand in hand. A full term pregnancy is generally 40 weeks, therefore any baby born before 37 weeks is considered premature and more at risk for respiratory, cognitive, digestive, and vision problems (5). In addition, babies who are born prematurely are more likely to be low-birth-weight babies, only weighing 3.3 to 5.5 pounds. 9% of teenage girls give birth to low-birth-babies, whose organs are not fully developed (Smith, 1). Thus, resulting in respiratory problems and bleeding in the brain (Smith, 1). These are just a couple facts that some Americans don’t consider when judging or shaming teenagers who get abortions. The safety and well being of the unborn child should always be the first thought when considering abortion. Below are some additional facts all according to the U.S. National Library of

There are many different views in regards to it, which is ultimately how it should be. Some Americans argue for it, and some argue against it. Most Americans, however, argue against it and say that although a baby born to a teenage mother is harmful due to medical reasons, and therefore abortion is necessary, it is even more harmful to terminate the pregnancy because it is in fact the “death of an embryo or fetus”(Webster, 1). In addition, these same Americans believe it is selfish to terminate the pregnancy in order to save money financially, even if it would result in the child being neglected or starving because the teenage mother had no way of providing shelter or food for her