…decisions you make now can drastically affect your future… TEEN PREGNANCY …decisions you make now can drastically affect your future…

How did I get here?… Make a list of all the things you’ve done so far today to get yourself to this moment (eg. Making/eating breakfast, Deciding what clothes to Wear, doing hair, make up, etc.)

How would your morning have looked different if you had a child? Create an extension to your existing list with all the additional responsibilities that may be required if you had your own child. Star any items from your previous list that you would be willing to sacrifice if you had to.

What do I value? Values are: qualities, characteristics, people, or ideas about which we feel strongly or that we hold in high regard. On your page: list 10 people, activities, or ideas that you consider to be important in your life.

How might your values look different if you had a child? How do you think these things would change if a child was involved? Would you still have the time for the people and activities you value? Did anyone say they value alone time? How would that look with a child involved?

CONSEQUENCES OF SEXUAL ACTIVITY & TEEN PREGNANCY: Fewer Choices/Freedom Less access to extra curricular Less time with friends Less free time Financial Problems Less likely to pursue/complete education More likely to end up in a low paying job Must be prepared for the cost of raising a child

CONSEQUENCES OF SEXUAL ACTIVITY & TEEN PREGNANCY (cont): Health Risks Risk of STIs Risk of Pregnancy Pregnancy Related Risks: Problems associated with the fact that teens are still growing when under 20 Nutritional problems such as iron deficiency Increased likelihood of longer labour Increased likelihood of premature birth Higher risk of learning disabilities

CONSEQUENCES OF SEXUAL ACTIVITY & TEEN PREGNANCY (cont): Emotional Risks Higher risk of depression Feelings of guilt Stresses connected to: How will you feel about yourself? How will you feel about the guy/girl? How will you tell your family? How will you tell your friends? Will your relationships change?

Agree or Disagree? “If two people can’t talk about the possible consequences of having sex together, they are not ready for the level of involvement.” Do you agree or disagree with the above statement? Why?

Statistics on Pregnant Teens and Marriage Despite showing an initial interest, only 2/10 teen fathers marry the mother of their child. Many are supportive during the child’s early years but contact often drops off after a year or so. Divorce rates are three times higher for females who marry as teens when compared to those who marry in their twenties or later. Teens who marry are more likely to have low-incomes and less education (both of which are associated with an increased risk of divorce)