According to the CDC, in 2011, a total of 329,797 babies were born to women aged 15 to 19 (“About Teen Pregnancy”). Why do these young women and adolescents become pregnant so early? What are the consequences of teenage pregnancy? There are many, but in this article we are going to look at some individual causes and effects and not the causes and effects on society as a whole. The number one cause of any pregnancy is unprotected sex. What could cause a teenager to have sex if they are not physically or emotionally prepared or ready? Peer pressure, trying to look cool, and fitting in with their friends is enough for many teens to become sexually active. The media also glorifies teenage pregnancy. In today's society, teenage mothers are featured in news stories, movies, and television shows. With teen moms in the spotlight, it's no longer shameful for a girl to get pregnant in high school. In fact, having sex as a teenager now seems to have become acceptable and commonplace. Absent parents could encourage a teenager to engage in early sexual activity. Parents who are physically o...