LAWS AFFECTING OUR SEX LIVES: TEEN PREGNANCY AND WELFARE LAWS
A 1994 study shows that increasing numbers of teenage girls are using contraception and that the rates of teen pregnancy and abortion are decreasing. Despite these trends, many states are changing their laws about public support for unmarried teen mothers and their children.
While these laws may have been designed with the teens’ best interests in mind, some of these new laws may cause more harm than good. For example, some require a pregnant teen to live with a parent and finish high school. But if a teenager has violent or negligent parents who drink or use drugs, staying at home could be dangerous.
Some states cut off child support if more pregnancies occur. This increases the level of poverty for many teen mothers. All states now require adults on welfare, including older teens, to work after two years if they are physically able. Their welfare checks will go to their employers and be returned to them as wages. But unless states provide job training, job placement, and affordable child care, these circumstances may make it very difficult for young mothers to support their families.
Many people are opposed to these new laws. Some say that pregnant teenagers should not be forced to live at home, especially if they are unwanted there. They should be able to go to “safe houses” to be cared for during their pregnancies. Others believe that pregnant teens should be encouraged to relinquish their children for adoption. But for many teenage girls, having a baby makes them feel important and, they believe, gives them status.
Some teenage girls become pregnant by older men. They often look for attention and status from older partners. Many people believe that men who date teenagers should be charged with statutory rape and be forced to support the children that are born. They advocate laws that would require teen mothers on welfare to name the men or risk losing benefits.
*151/155/5*
