"Unplanned" Vs. "Accidental" Pregnancy

In passing some time and listening to arguments made by some pregnant teens and early twenty-somethings, I found an interesting use of what seems to be interchangeable words defining how they became pregnant. It may be semantics, but it struck an interest with me, so I decided to look further. I began listening to these aforementioned girls and then did some reading of online submissions on "accidental" pregnancies and came across a common theme that really struck me.

First, before we go through some of the commentary, submissions, and interviews, here are some definitions. Specifically looking at 'Accidental' and 'Unplanned'. According to Wiktionary (the online dictionary kin to Wikipedia), Accidental means "Happening by chance, or unexpectedly; taking place not according to the usual course of things; casual; fortuitous; as, an accidental visit" (by its first definition).²Unplanned, by the same source, means "unintentional; not intended (first definition), and spontaneous and not thought through in advance (second definition).³ As you can see, these words are very similar by definition, but have a significant difference as well. I think, and this is my opinion, that the underlying significant difference is taking responsibility for one's self. Yes, I think so. If you re-read the definitions, you see that (roughly) 'accidental' is the chance that something happened; while 'unplanned' was the unintended happening of something. Further, if you have sex (unprotected or protected) it is possible to get pregnant regardless. There is only one method that guarantees no pregnancy and that is abstinence. Harsh reality? No, I don't think so...it is more like common sense.

After reviewing many submissions online, I decided to refer to a few arguments online to give a better picture. An author numbered 23675 on the site called UnsolvedMysteries.com states, "I just don't understand why there are so many accidental pregnancies. I mean, it reaaaallly boggles my mind. I can understand there are 'accidents' once in awhile such as a defective IUD, a broken condom, or even a forgotten birth control pill, but come on... in this day and age of information, and in this part of the world where birth control is easily accessible, why do so many young girls and grown women 'accidentally' get pregnant not just once, but twice, and three times over? I just don't get it! Don't get me wrong. I'm sure accidents do happen and this is not meant to offend all the moms out there who are obtaining support, but I do think men should also take better care to wear protection if they don't want their lives to change dramatically and forever in the blink of an eye before they are ready for it... it's your responsibility too, guys!" ¹

The responses to this author varied from statements arguing that birth control doesn't always work, forgetfulness, being caught up in the moment, and many others, but one theme seemed to stand out here too - Don't have sex if you can't afford a baby. That is the underlying risk with any sex (pregnancy) not to mention spreading diseases.

Author 11091 said, "OK, birth control does not always work. I got pregnant using the pill and condoms. It does happen. And birth control is NOT readily available. "¹ which was met with a response from author 3538 of "I can see what you mean, but I think sometimes we tend to forget to take the pills or just get caught in the moment." ¹

Then Author 20944 laid the smack down with the following three entries, "The way I see it, don't have sex if you aren't responsible enough to either; a) use protection or b) are responsible enough to have a child and care for it and provide it with everything it needs. Birth control can be obtained, in many cases, freely, whether it be a pill, condoms, etc. I think its B.S. how some people will go "well, you didn't wear protection" when they could have done something to protect themselves, do not blindly rely on your partner to use protection, protect yourself. People need to start taking more responsibility for THEMSELVES. Another thing that i forgot to say, some people have claimed that they couldn't afford birth control, which is utterly idiotic if they think they can afford to have unprotected sex. Which costs more..... birth control or having to take care of a newborn baby? I personally think that having a baby, and not being able to support it, should be considered a crime. People need to wake up and realize that they aren't the real ones who suffer, its the children. P.s. about the birth control not being readily available, if you look into programs in your area you will find it. I personally know people who get it thru a health service organization and College, at very low cost, less than 10 dollars for pills. Like I said, if you aren't responsible enough to take care of a baby.... don't have sex."¹

I tend to agree with many things that 20944 had to say. Authors 8717, 5063, 22131, 20944, and others seem to be on the same page with this as well. After reading further into theses posts, I came across Author 19220 who had a baby at 18 years old. "I have 2 surprise babies...my second and forth. I had my first at 18 and that was just my "it won't happen to me" attitude. My second and forth were both pill babies. The second live birth happened right after a miscarriage and they think he might have been a twin...who knows...my forth was a real big surprise. My third was only 9 mths when I became pregnant again I was on the pill. I now have a tubal because I need no more surprises no matter how special they are..LOL"¹ Did you read the first sentence? Thank you 19220 for taking responsibility for your actions at 18 years old. This poster realized that the "it won't happen to me" attitude doesn't work - and it doesn't hold much weight with other people. Furthermore, it goes to show that just because you are on the pill, it could still happen.

As I continued to read I came across Author 17551. This post reads, "I Only have one thing to say how comfortable are you telling your spouse in the heat of the moment "did you remember the condoms?" me and my friends have discussed this and for some reason have come to conclude that it was easier when we first started dating to say that to the other half , it totally kills the moment we have been together nine yrs and are now on our fourth child which was a big surprise (but someone wanted us to have another )to some this might sound silly but to me it doesn't , i am not the type of person that can say hold the brakes till i find it ." ¹ I would like to know how old this person is, if they are well employed, able to take care (financially, medically) of themselves and a child, or who provides them support. This, I think, is one of the biggest issues facing unplanned pregnancies. Yes, they are unplanned...not accidental. Remember the definitions above. Author 8717 pretty much sums it up in her post, "I think it is because we live in a "if it feels good do it" society these days. The answer is that these people are irresponsible and are making excuses for their actions so they can rationalize it." ¹

Why write about this? Well, it may seem more like a rant than social commentary, but this is an opinion piece and I'm sure that there are a lot of people out there who disagree with my point of view. This is food for thought and all I'm asking of young people who are unable to support themselves, let alone an infant (or two), to do everything in your power (read: use multiple forms of protection or DO NOT HAVE SEX) to not get pregnant. That's right. If you believe that you are old enough to have sex, then drag your butt to the local Planned Parenthood or other organization that you can get yourself and your partner protection. Use it all the time, every time. Better, leave no chance for unplanned pregnancy by not engaging in sexual intercourse until you are able to support a child on your own. Ninety-nine percent of this decision belongs to the girls (not counting those cases where rape, violence, drugs, or alcohol are involved). Yes, the boys have part in it too, but not as much as the girls. Girls, YOU are responsible for what YOU let happen to YOUR body. Be careful of the situations you allow yourself to get into.

This past May 2, five more before it, and future May 2nds, is considered National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. TeenPregnancy.org ⁴, ⁵ has a great deal of information on this subject and presents findings in their pamphlet. ⁴ What was interesting what their link site called www.stayteen.org? ⁶ This website presents information and facts about teen pregnancy, watch ads that were developed by teens, discusses relationships, and provides tips to avoid teen pregnancy. ⁶ The fact listed on the homepage says "8 out of 10 teen dads don't marry their babies' mothers." ⁶ There ya go, girls - Just by getting pregnant doesn't secure this man in your life. This site seemed to offer some really good information and is written in a way to connect with teens.

¹Author# 23675. Are all accidental pregnancies really 'accidental'? http://www.unsolvedmysteries.com/usm68376.html, accessed 10/03/07.

²Wiktionary. "Accidental". http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/accidental, accessed 10/03/07.

³Wiktionary. "Unplanned". http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Unplanned, accessed 10/03/07.

⁴The National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. 2007 National Day Summary. http://www.teenpregnancy.org/national/pdf/2007/2007_ND_overview.pdf, accessed 10/01/07.

⁵The National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. www.teenpregnancy.org, accessed 10/01/07.

⁶Stay Teen. www.stayteen.org, accessed 10/01/07.