The main reason for teen pregnancy is early initiation of sex and having unprotected sex. Teenage pregnancy is closely linked to other critical social issues that include welfare dependency, out of wedlock births, responsible fatherhood, and the child's well-being. .
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When compared to women who come from the same economic status who wait to have children, teen mothers are more then likely to end up on welfare. One half of teen mothers receive welfare. Fifty-two percent of all single mothers who are on welfare had their first child while they were a teenager. Continuing with the reduction in teen pregnancy is one cause of the decrease in welfare. Many teen mothers normally have a second child within years of their first child. With a second child it can delay the ability to finish their high school education, keep a steady job, and even escape the poverty that they are in. There have been many reforms the welfare program to reduce out-of-wedlock childbearing and teenage pregnancies. Welfare cases have declined significantly since 1996. To maintain the progress that has been made with welfare it is important to educate both boys and girls about preventing pregnancy. .
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By reducing teen pregnancy it will enhance the child's well-being. Children born to teenage mothers normally have economic, social, and health problems. Teenage mothers are less likely than older women to get on time prenatal care. Babies born to teen mothers are at high risk of being born prematurely, low weight, hyperactive, mental illness or retardation, and respiratory problems. Children of teenage parents do worse in school then children born to older parents. They suffer higher rates of abuse and neglect. Preventing pregnancy is critical in improving not only the lives of the potential mother and father, but the child too. .
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Research shows that involved and committed father's are extremely important to a child's well-being.