FHNtoday.com

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services approximately 750,000 teenagers become pregnant every year; 57% end in birth, 29% end from abortion and 14% end in miscarriage. Statistically, teen parents are more likely to end up poor or on welfare, have fewer educational opportunities, and have reduced job prospects and likely lower wages. Teen mothers are more likely to have babies that are born too small or die early in life, grow up in homes with low emotional support, or don’t earn high school diplomas. These obstacles can be overcome with support from family and proper resources to raise the child.

Anderson knew from the beginning that she wanted to keep her child since she didn’t believe in adoption or abortion. She has been engaged to the father, FHN graduate Justin Benner, since April 5, 2009. They didn’t plan to have a baby so soon after becoming engaged, but most teen pregnancies are not planned.

“[I was] shocked at first,” Anderson said. “After the first couple of days I was excited though.”

Even though she feels the pregnancy has been fairly easy physically, she still has to deal with the typical symptoms such as morning sickness and late night food cravings.

Both Benner and Anderson are committed to accept the responsibilities
that come with having the child, which is due on Valentines Day.

“I’ll be working 50 or more hours a week at Culver’s.” Benner said.

Anderson is also planning on getting a job when she graduates high school and attending college. She receives support from her mother and the couple is currently living in his grandmother’s house.

Also to help in dealing with the issues that come with pregnancy, Anderson attends the teen parent support group at FHN. The group is for girls that are mothers or have become pregnant to discuss their problems and experiences. Debbie Mason, the Crisis Counselor of 22 years, runs the group.

“I would say it’s [the teen pregnancy rate] decreased from where it was about 10 years ago.” Mason said. She talks to about 10 to 12 girls a year but currently there are only seven girls in the group.

Some of the most life altering choices that an individual will make can be made as a teen. Most teenagers give a lot of thought to decisions such as which college they should attend, if they’re better off going into the work force, or if they should join the military. However, other significant decisions will usually be made in the spur of the moment, often without considering the consequences.Whether it be getting in the car with someone that’s been drinking, accepting that first smoke or toke, or engaging in sexual activities. These are choices that teens face every day.