research paper
Surname 1
Research Outline
Causes of Teenage Abortion in America Outline Template
I. Introduction: Thesis Statement
The research paper will focus on the major causes of teenage abortion in United States of America
II. Background Information
The studies that have been carried out indicate that there has been a fluctuation in the rates of teenage pregnancies and abortions over time in United Sates. According to Guttmacher researchers, abortion has been on a decline from 1992 till 2006, after which abortion rates among the teens started to increase. The decrease in the rates of abortion was attributed to the increase in the use of contraceptives. However, there have been recent increase in the teenage pregnancies among the teens belonging to minority groups. In studies that were carried out in 2005, Black and non-white Hispanics’ rate was 12 percent while it was 4.4 percent for white teens. There are factors that determine the teen’s ability and choice to carry out pregnancies.
III. First cause: Peer pressure influence
Teenage abortion among teens in United Sates has been attributed to peer pressure influences. According to the 1990 study carried out by Guttmacher researcher, most of the teens undertake abortion because of peer influences.
IV. Second cause: protection of self-esteem
Teenage pregnancies are associated with high levels of immorality in United States. Teens thus fear being identified as being immoral in the society. This is supported by the information in the Guttmatcher research report that teens perform abortion to protect their self-esteem in the society.
V. Third cause: To continue with education
Teenage pregnancies are likely to lead to the termination of teen’s education. Teens thus prefer to terminate their pregnancies and continue with their education, rather than risk ending their education and facing negative repercussions such as poverty.
VI. Fourth cause: Societal pressure
The American society has expectations on the steps of a teen. These include expectation such as completing school and getting well-paying jobs. In case of a pregnancy, therefore, a teen will prefer to do an abortion so as to achieve the life stages expected by the society. Furthermore, according to the research undertaken by Guttmacher Institute, societal pressure was one of the factors that leads to teenage pregnancy.
v. Conclusion
This paper was focusing on the causes of teenage abortion in United States. The key causes covered in the research include societal pressure, the urge to continue with education, protection of self-esteem, and peer pressure influence.
Belinda, Luscombe. “New Data: Teen Pregnancy, Abortion on the Rise.” time.com. Jan. 26, 2010. Retrieved from: < http://content.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1956645,00.html >
Linda, Lowen. “Why Teens Choose Abortion: How Parental Involvement, Abortion Access, Educational Aspirations Play a Role.” about.com. May 27, 2009. Retrieved from: http://womensissues.about.com/od/teenpregnancy/a/TeenAbortReasons.htm
James B. Kelleher, Editing by Cynthia Johnston. “Teen pregnancy, abortion rates at record low, study says.” reuters.com. Feb 8, 2012. Retrieved from: < http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/08/us-teen-pregnancy-idUSTRE8171J020120208>.