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Pre-Marital Sex Adolescent Pregnancy

byWiredufred Published:

 By the end of this chapter, the readers should be able to:

1. Explain pre-marital sex and the factors that influence the behavior.

2. Analyze the consequences of pre-marital sex and suggest ways of preventing pre-marital sex.

3. Examine factors leading to adolescent pregnancy.

4. Identify dangers associated with adolescent pregnancy and the consequences.

5. Examine criminal abortion and its effects on the adolescent

Pregnancy and early motherhood

Meaning of Pre-Marital Sex

Pre-marital sex refers to engaging in sexual activities before entering a legally or socially recognized marriage. The definition of pre-marital sex varies widely across cultures and societies, as it often involves deeply personal and moral considerations.


Historical Context

Historically, pre-marital sex has been subject to societal norms and religious beliefs. In many cultures, it was once deemed taboo, with strict prohibitions against sexual activities outside of marriage. However, the cultural landscape has shifted significantly in modern times, with many societies becoming more accepting of diverse sexual behaviors and practices.


Societal Perspectives

The perception of pre-marital sex can differ greatly depending on societal norms and cultural values. Here are some key factors that influence societal perspectives on pre-marital sex:

  1. Cultural Norms:

    • In some cultures, pre-marital sex is still considered a violation of social norms and traditions.
    • Societies that hold traditional values may emphasize the importance of chastity before marriage.

  2. Religious Beliefs:

    • Many religions advocate for abstinence before marriage, viewing pre-marital sex as morally and spiritually wrong.
    • Religious teachings can significantly influence individuals' attitudes towards sexual behavior.

  3. Modernization and Globalization:

    • As societies become more globalized and interconnected, traditional views on pre-marital sex are being challenged.
    • Exposure to different cultures and ideas has led to more liberal attitudes regarding sexual relationships.

  4. Legal Considerations:

    • Laws regarding sexual activities vary widely across countries, with some regions having specific regulations about age, consent, and marriage.
    • In certain areas, pre-marital sex may still be illegal or subject to social penalties.


Factors Influencing Pre-Marital Sex

Several factors contribute to an individual's decision to engage in pre-marital sex, including:

  1. Personal Values and Beliefs:

    • Personal values play a crucial role in determining attitudes towards pre-marital sex.
    • Individuals may prioritize emotional connection, love, or personal readiness over traditional norms.

  2. Peer Influence:

    • Peer pressure and social circles can heavily impact one's decision to engage in pre-marital sex.
    • Young people may feel compelled to conform to the behaviors and expectations of their peers.

  3. Media and Popular Culture:

    • Media portrayal of relationships and sexual behavior can shape perceptions of pre-marital sex.
    • Movies, television shows, and social media often depict sexual relationships as a normative part of dating and romance.

  4. Educational Awareness:

    • Access to comprehensive sex education can influence attitudes toward pre-marital sex.
    • Education on safe sex practices, consent, and relationship dynamics empowers individuals to make informed choices.

Causes of Pre-Marital Sex

i. Peer Pressure 

Peer pressure has been identified as one of the very important factors driving the sexual behavior of male and female adolescents. Peer pressure is manifested in adolescents engaging in sexual activity to raise their ego among their peers. There is a misconception that adolescents who do not engage in sexual relations are timid and thus cannot fit into the group of existing self-acclaimed champions.

ii. Curiosity and want to experiment

Some adolescents are curious of the sex scenes they watch in movies or read in novels or even discuss with friends and thus have the desire to try or experiment in order to have a feel of the real act/action.

iii. Lack of parental control 

Lack of parental control or inadequate counselling by parents leaves children to experiment unnecessarily.

iv. Inability of parents to meet adolescent needs 

Adolescent girls engage in sexual relations with "sugar daddies" in order to obtain money to meet their needs. The inability of parents to afford or provide for their girl child to buy worldly things such as perfume and dresses may lead to pre-marital sex.

v. Increased adolescent sex drive 

Adolescents engage in pre-marital sex due to lack of self-control over their sex drive.

vi. Ignorance 

Many adolescents are ignorant about the dangers involved in pre-marital sex due to lack of sex education by parents and teachers at home and school respectively.

vii. Encouragement of parent for adolescent to earn money 

Adolescents are sometimes pushed into pre-marital sex due to the poor economic situation of their parents.


Consequences or Implications of Pre-Marital Sex 

Pre-marital sex is associated with a number of consequences among which include:

i. Risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases or infections 

pre-marital sex could lead to adolescents contracting sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea, syphilis and dreadful HIV/AIDS.

ii. Pregnancy and early motherhood 

At the adolescent stage, the girl child is not emotionally, physically, socially and economically prepared for child bearing and its related problems. For this reason, if she lands herself in unplanned pregnancy, she becomes disorganized.


iii. Possible dropout from school 

An adolescent girl who becomes pregnant may drop out of school. Most often they do not have the opportunity to continue their schooling for a number of reasons. Their future is thus put in jeopardy as they become economically misplaced.

iv. Unsafe abortion resulting in death or damage to the reproductive organs (infertility) 

An adolescent girl who becomes pregnant and decides to keep it as a secret may opt for criminal abortion to save her education, the name of the family and avoid social scorn. Due to the dangerous method used to terminate the pregnancy, she might lose her life or damage her reproductive organs.


Strategies for Preventing Pre-Marital Sex

Preventing pre-marital sex involves a combination of education, communication, and personal empowerment. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Comprehensive Sex Education

Comprehensive sex education provides young people with the information and skills they need to make informed decisions about their sexual health.

  • Topics Covered: Education should cover human anatomy, reproduction, contraception, STI prevention, healthy relationships, and consent.

  • Benefits: Comprehensive sex education helps dispel myths about sex, increases awareness about the consequences of sexual activity, and teaches the importance of respect and consent.

  • Approach: It should be age-appropriate and culturally sensitive, involving parents and educators in delivering accurate information.

  • Statistics: Research shows that comprehensive sex education can delay the initiation of sexual activity and increase the use of contraceptives when individuals choose to engage in sexual activity.

  • Further Reading:

2. Promote Abstinence Programs

Abstinence education focuses on teaching young people the value of abstaining from sex until marriage.

  • Core Message: Abstinence is presented as the only 100% effective way to prevent STIs and unintended pregnancies.

  • Programs: These programs often include role-playing, discussions on self-respect, goal-setting, and building self-esteem.

  • Challenges: While abstinence education can be effective for some, it should not replace comprehensive sex education, as it may leave individuals unprepared if they choose to become sexually active.

  • Statistics: Studies have shown mixed results on the effectiveness of abstinence-only programs. However, integrating them with broader educational strategies can enhance their impact.

  • Further Reading:

3. Parental Involvement and Open Communication

Parents play a crucial role in shaping their children's attitudes toward sex.

  • Communication: Encourage open, honest conversations between parents and children about relationships, sex, and values.

  • Guidance: Parents can provide guidance on making healthy choices and understanding the consequences of sexual activity.

  • Support: Being supportive and approachable allows young people to feel comfortable seeking advice and asking questions.

  • Benefits: Studies show that parental involvement and communication can delay the onset of sexual activity and encourage responsible behaviors.

  • Further Reading:

4. Encourage Strong Peer Support Networks

Peer influence is significant during adolescence, and having a supportive social circle can reinforce positive behavior.

  • Peer Education: Programs that involve peer educators can be effective in providing relatable guidance and support.

  • Clubs and Activities: Encourage involvement in extracurricular activities and clubs that promote personal development and healthy relationships.

  • Mentorship: Older peers or mentors can offer advice and share experiences to guide younger individuals in making informed decisions.

  • Further Reading:

5. Teach Decision-Making and Refusal Skills

Empowering young people with the skills to make informed decisions and resist peer pressure is crucial.

6. Focus on Personal Development and Self-Esteem

Encouraging young people to focus on self-improvement and personal growth can reduce the likelihood of engaging in pre-marital sex.

  • Self-Esteem Building: Programs that boost confidence and self-worth can empower individuals to make choices aligned with their values.

  • Goal-Setting: Encourage setting personal and educational goals that prioritize long-term success over short-term gratification.

  • Extracurricular Activities: Participation in sports, arts, and community service can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

  • Further Reading:

7. Utilize Technology and Online Resources

With the rise of digital technology, online platforms can provide valuable resources and education on sexual health.

  • Educational Apps: Apps that offer quizzes, articles, and interactive content on sexual health and decision-making.

  • Online Counseling: Access to online support and counseling can help individuals navigate their choices and challenges.

  • Social Media Campaigns: Promote positive messages and awareness through social media channels that resonate with young audiences


Challenges in Preventing Pre-Marital Sex

While these strategies can be effective, they are not without challenges:

  • Cultural Resistance: In some communities, discussing sexual health openly may be taboo or frowned upon.

  • Lack of Resources: Not all schools or families have access to comprehensive sex education materials and programs.

  • Peer Pressure: The influence of peers can sometimes outweigh educational efforts.

  • Media Influence: Exposure to sexual content in media can undermine prevention efforts by normalizing pre-marital sex.

  • Further Reading:




Adolescent Pregnancy

Adolescent pregnancy

Adolescent pregnancy is a critical issue with significant social, health, and economic implications. It refers to pregnancies that occur in individuals aged 10 to 19 years, often presenting unique challenges and risks. Here’s a comprehensive overview of adolescent pregnancy, its causes, impacts, and strategies for prevention.

Understanding Adolescent Pregnancy

Definition and Statistics

Adolescent pregnancy occurs when a female under the age of 20 becomes pregnant. Globally, adolescent pregnancy rates vary widely by region and socioeconomic status, but it remains a significant concern in many countries.

  • Global Statistics: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 16 million girls aged 15 to 19 give birth each year, and an additional 2.5 million girls aged 10 to 14 become pregnant.

  • Impact on Education: Adolescent pregnancy often disrupts educational attainment, limiting future opportunities and economic potential.

  • Further Reading: World Health Organization: Adolescent Pregnancy


Causes of Adolescent Pregnancy

1. Lack of Comprehensive Sex Education

Many adolescents lack accurate and comprehensive sex education, leading to misunderstandings about sexual health, contraception, and pregnancy prevention.

2. Socioeconomic Factors

Adolescents from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may face increased risks of unintended pregnancy due to factors such as poverty, limited access to healthcare, and reduced educational opportunities.

3. Peer Pressure and Social Norms

Peer pressure and societal norms can influence adolescent behavior, sometimes leading to early sexual activity and unintended pregnancies.

4. Family Dynamics

Family factors, such as inadequate parental guidance, lack of communication about sexual health, and unstable family environments, can contribute to adolescent pregnancy.

5. Lack of self-control 

Some adolescent girls get pregnant due to lack of self-control over their sex drive.

6. Negative education and influence 

Adolescents also get pregnant due to negative education and influence they receive from pornographic films and literature

7. Rape 

The incidence of rape could result in pregnancy. That is, if a man forcefully has sex with a woman against her will, it could lead to pregnancy.


Impact of Adolescent Pregnancy

1. Health Risks

Adolescents are at a higher risk of health complications during pregnancy and childbirth compared to older women.

2. Educational and Economic Effects

Pregnancy during adolescence can significantly disrupt education and limit future employment opportunities.

3. Social and Emotional Challenges

Adolescent pregnancy can lead to social stigma and emotional stress, affecting the mental health and social well-being of young mothers.

4. Increase in number of abandoned babies and street children

Adolescent pregnancy can result in an increase in the number of abandoned babies and street children due to the inability of adolescent mothers to fend for their babies.

5. Leads to death 

Sometimes, an attempt by pregnant adolescent to abort leads to death.

6. High population growth 

Adolescents pregnancy may lead to high population growth due to its contribution to an increase in the birth rate. This culminates in economic and social problems within the country.


Strategies for Prevention

1. Comprehensive Sex Education

Providing accurate and age-appropriate sex education is essential for informing adolescents about contraception, sexual health, and the consequences of sexual activity.

2. Access to Contraceptive Services

Ensuring that adolescents have access to a range of contraceptive methods can help prevent unintended pregnancies.

3. Parental and Community Support

Engaging parents and communities in discussions about sexual health and providing support can help prevent adolescent pregnancy.

4. Youth Empowerment Programs

Programs that empower young people to make informed decisions and develop life skills can reduce the likelihood of early pregnancy.


Suggested Measures for the Control of Adolescent Pregnancy

The following among others, are suggested solutions to adolescent pregnancy:

(i) Selective learning: Adolescents should be selective in what they learn from their peers about sex. They should for instance, not accept misinformation about sex from their peers.

(ii) Adolescent education: Parents, teachers, opinion leaders and religious leaders should make it a duty to educate adolescents about good moral behavior so as to inculcate in them the power of self-control.

(iii) Ban on pornographic material: There should be a national ban on the screening of pornographic films and the sale of pornographic literature to adolescents.

(iv) Punitive measures: Laws should be passed on adolescent pregnancy so that men who impregnate teenagers are punished severely.

(v) Provide adequate parental care: Parents should give adequate parental care to adolescent girls. Their needs should be adequately provided by parents.


Dangers Associated with Adolescent Pregnancy

Mother

  1. Possible dropout from school resulting in the termination of their education prematurely.
  2. Adolescents mother will be limited to low paying jobs because of little or lack of skill and experience; she will suffer from poverty.
  3. If adolescent mother is able to go back to school, she may have to put up with ridicule from her school mates and colleagues.
  4. The adolescent mother may die due to prolonged labor.
  5. Sometimes an attempt by pregnant adolescent to abort may lead to death or damage parts of the reproductive organs.
  6. An adolescent mother may suffer from anemia. Teenage mothers may suffer some health hazards during and after the pregnancy.


Infants

  1. Low weight leading to death of baby as a result of prolonged labor and poor nutrition of the mother.
  2. Infant may suffer from deformities, abnormalities and mental retardation.
  3. Physical development maybe affected. Thus, babies born to adolescent mothers may suffer from physical and mental disorders.


Social and Economic Problems of Criminal Abortion

Criminal abortion refers to an illegal termination of pregnancy by the use of dangerous substances. It is an abortion performed by unqualified or unrecognized person. It is normally not carried out in a recognized hospital and by a recognized surgical team.

Abortion in Ghana is allowed under the following conditions: -

  • Where the pregnancy or conception is as a result of rape, defilement of a female idiot or incest and abortion is requested by the victim or next of kin.
  • Where the life of the pregnant woman is at risk or the pregnancy might cause injury to her physical and mental health.
  • Where the child if born will develop serious physical abnormality or disease.


Causes of Criminal Abortion

  1. Uncertainty or not being sure of who is responsible for the pregnancy because of multiple sex partners.
  2. The desire to complete school or apprenticeship training.
  3. Enormous pressure from male parents.
  4. Fear of parents and family reaction to the pregnancy,


Effects of Criminal Abortion

  1. It leads to excessive bleeding and sometimes death of the mother.
  2. It can cause damage to the reproductive organs i.e., uterus may be perforated, organs of the abdominal cavity may be damaged.
  3. There is the risk of infection leading to permanent damage to organs.
  4. Criminal abortion can cause barrenness resulting from perforated uterus.
  5. The adolescent may suffer emotional trauma.
  6. It may lead to infection of the womb leading to severe abdominal pain.

Conclusion

Pre-marital sex is a multifaceted topic that encompasses diverse perspectives and implications. Understanding the factors influencing attitudes toward pre-marital sex can foster open dialogue and promote informed decision-making. As societies continue to evolve, it is essential to embrace a balanced approach that respects individual choices, cultural values, and the importance of education in shaping healthy sexual relationships.

Further Reading and Resources.


Examination Questions on Pre-Marital Sex Adolescent Pregnancy

l.(a). Who is a teenage mother? (1994)

(b). Explain four of the problems that face the teenage mother as a single parent.

Solution

Teenage mother

A teenage mother is an adolescent usually under 20 years of age and who is not physically, mentally and emotionally mature to be a mother or parent.

(b). Problems face by teenage mother as a single parent

(i) Emotional problems: A teenager who gets pregnant becomes emotionally disturbed. There is poor health, resulting from malnutrition, hunger, lack of health care, inadequate clothing etc.

(ii) Termination of education: The teenager who becomes pregnant may have her education terminated.

(iii) Physical problems: Physically, a teenager's body is not matured enough to bear a baby easily, hence the body is susceptible to physical injuries during delivery.

(iv) Financial problems: The pregnant teenager may not have money to support herself.

(v) Loss of respect: She loses respect of her family and friends.

(vi) Lack of experience: A teenager who gets pregnant lacks the experience and training in bringing up her child.

(vii) Abortion: She may try to abort the pregnancy by using crude methods that can make her barren for life or can lead to death.


2.(a) i. Explain four factors that bring about pre-marital sex. (2012)

b. Explain four consequences of pre-marital sex.

c. Suggest two ways of preventing pre-marital sex.


Solution

(a) Factors that bring about pre-marital sex

i. Peer Pressure: Peer pressure has been identified as one of the very important factors driving the sexual behavior of male and female adolescents. Peer pressure is manifested in adolescents engaging in sexual activity to raise their ego among their peers. There is a misconception that adolescents who do not engage in sexual relations are timid and thus cannot fit into the group of existing self-acclaimed "champions".

ii. Curiosity and want to experiment: Some adolescents are curious of the sex scenes they watch in movies or read in novels or even discuss with friends and thus have the desire to try or experiment in order to have a feel of the real act/action.

iii. Lack of parental control: Lack of parental control or inadequate counselling by parents leave children to experiment unnecessarily. Inability of parents to meet adolescent needs: Adolescent girls engage in sexual relations with "sugar daddies" in order to obtain money to meet their needs. The inability of parents to afford or provide for their girl child to buy worldly things such as perfume and dresses may lead to pre-marital sex.

iv. Increased adolescent sex drive: Adolescents engage in pre-marital sex due to lack of self-control over their sex drive.

vi) Ignorance: Many adolescents are ignorant about the dangers involved in pre-marital sex due to lack of sex education by parents and teachers at home and school respectively.

vii) Encouragement of parent for adolescent to earn money: Adolescents are sometimes pushed into pre-marital sex due to the poor economic situation of their parents.


b. Consequences of pre-marital sex.

i) Pregnancy and early motherhood: At the adolescent stage the girl child is not emotionally, physically, socially and economically prepared for child bearing and its related problems. For this reason, if she lands herself in unplanned pregnancy, she becomes disorganized.

ii) Possible dropout from school: An adolescent girl who becomes pregnant may drop out from school. Most often they do not have the opportunity to continue their schooling for a number of reasons. Their future is thus put in jeopardy as they become economically misplaced.

iii) Unsafe abortion resulting in death or damage to the reproductive organs.

iv) Risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases or infections: pre-marital sex could lead adolescents to contracting sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea, syphilis and dreadful HIV/AIDS.


(c). Ways of preventing pre-marital sex

i) Develop good study habits

ii) Participate in activities that take their minds off early sex e.g., community activities, social clubs, etc.

iii) Clarify their own values and goals for the future.

iv) Resist peer pressure to have sex.

v) Obtain adequate information on reproductive health issues.

vi) Avoid watching blue films and reading pornographic materials that will arouse them.

vii) Avoid accepting gifts from strange


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