Thesis: The number of teen pregnancies continues to be a significant problem in the United States.
Statistics about teen pregnancies are indicators of a societal problem. In the 1960's many babies were born out of wedlock. Only 3% of white babies were born of teenage mothers while 22% of black babies were born of teen mothers (Smith, 2). Now the number has dramatically risen; twenty two percent of white babies are of unwed teen mothers and 68% of black babies are born by unwed teens (Smith, 2). About 25% to 30% pregnancies in the United States ended in abortion in which majority were to unmarried women or in teens (Smith, 3). Studies have shown that there has been a miraculous reduction in the incidence of loss of virginity among teenagers. In 1960, 25% young men and 45% young women were virgins at age 19. By 1980's, fewer than 20% males and females were virgins (Smith, 4). The percent of white women married from 1960-1965 who were virgins was 43; from 1980-1985 the percent was 14 (Williams, 2). In 1989 studies showed that 59% of high schoolers had had sexual intercourse (Smith, 4). A study of young people in 1994 shows that only 36% have had sex; that is a 23% drop in only five years (Smith, 3).
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In 1994, just 22% of children born out of wedlock had mother age 18 or under; more than half had mothers age 20-29. Over half of abortions each year are had by unmarried women in their 20's while just 1/5 are under 20 (Williams, 3). Teenagers account for a smaller proportion of unwed births today then 20 years ago. A contributing factor on campus called "scamming" where young men and women who claim not to be romantically involved, sleep together fully clothed, "just for the companionship" (Smith, 6). A fair number of pregnancies result from such foolishness. Students seem to believe two contradictory things. They believe it is very difficult to wait and to manage physical proximity along with emotional intimacy (Smith, 6).