The Times

Issue date: 5/9/08 Section: News

Media Credit: MCT Campus

Milwaukee has the seventh highest teen pregnancy rate in the U.S. and continues to fluctuate in the top ten from year to year. It is gaining more awareness and community healthcare efforts, yet persists to be a prevalent problem.


Milwaukee has the 7th
highest teen pregnancy rate in the U.S.

Teen births cost the Milwaukee area $48 million a year.
85% of teen births are paid for through tax dollars.
70% of teen mothers never finish high school.
71% of babies born to teen mothers are fathered by men over the age
of 20, which is considered
statutory rape.
23% become pregnant during
sexual assault.


Statistics show that teen pregnancy is not only a burden to the parents, but to society as a whole. With every growing belly, grows the responsibility a city must endure as the increasing costs of healthcare are seen in our taxes. According to United Way, 85% of teen births are paid for through tax dollars and births cost the Milwaukee area $48 million a year.

The causes of teen pregnancy are deeply embedded in our community. One of the root causes is sexual victimization and abuse.

According to United Way, 71% of the babies born to teenage mothers are fathered by men over the age of 20, which is considered statutory rape. Even if the female consents to sex, if she is under the age of 18 it is legally considered rape, and 23% become pregnant during sexual assault.

Teen pregnancy is especially prevalent in communities that experience poverty. According to Nicole Angresano, Associate Director at United Way, 70% of teen moms never finish high school.

"When you're the child of a teen mom, you are less likely to finish high school," said Angresano. "If you're the male child of a teen mom, you are more likely to be incarcerated.

"Those children often become teen parents themselves and the cycle often continues."

The Milwaukee community offers much in service to assist pregnant teenagers. Yet with the negative stigma surrounding teen pregnancy, some may feel hesitant or ashamed to take advantage of these services.

There are multiple ad campaigns in Milwaukee to raise awareness about the impact it has on the community.

Education is the first step," said Angresano. "Some teens get pregnant because they don't have the sex education, and some get pregnant on purpose because they think that having a baby will give them someone to love."

Continued...

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