** Source information: Date: Wed Feb 8, 2012 12:23pm Document type: ArticleTitle: “Teen pregnancy, abortion rates at record low, study says” Authors: By James B. Kelleher, Editing by Cynthia Johnston Source: “Teen pregnancy, abortion rates at record low, study says.”reuters.com. Feb 8, 2012 < http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/08/us-teen-pregnancy-idUSTRE8171J020120208>. ** Summary: Since 1972 until 2008, the rate of pregnancy and abortion among teenagers in the United States decreased significantly, and the rate of contraceptive use increased. In 2008, which is the most recent year that the Guttmacher researchers looked at government statistics on teen-age sex, pregnancies, births and abortion. They found that nearly 750,000 U.S. women under the age of 20 became pregnant in 2008, nearly 98 percent of them between the ages of 15 and 19. In 2008 the rate of teen abortion had decreased since 1972. The researchers and analyzers think the percentage decreased because both male and female teens used contraception. The researchers found that teen who had pregnancies and abortions between the ages of 15to 17 may be affected long-term. This long-term affect could show as a decline in their sexual activity. However, Racial and ethnic disparities are still seen in the African American communities. They found that the abortion rate is still two to four times that of their white peers. In addition, in 2008 they found the birth rates for Hispanic and black teens were more than twice those of the counterpart, and the Hispanic teen abortion rate were twice as high as the rate of white peers and black teen abortion rate were four times higher than the rate of the Caucasian. ** Quotations: 1. The researcher said that the disparities between race affect the teens and make them abort a fetus: But disparities among racial and ethnic groups continued to persist, with black and Hispanic teens experiencing pregnancy and abortion rates two to four times higher than their white peers, the Guttmacher Institute, the nonprofit sexual health research group that conducted the analysis, said. 2. The percentage of the teens pregnant decreased because teen are more alert, to the use of contraceptives “The teen abortion rate in 2008 dropped to the lowest rate seen since 1972 at 17.8 per 1,000 teen girls and women, the analysis found, and was down 59 percent from 1988 when the abortion rate peaked at 43.5 per 1,000 teen women. The Guttmacher researchers said the decline in teen birthrates was largely attributable to increased contraceptive use by teens of both genders.” ** Paraphrasing: Original paragraph: The Guttmacher researchers said the decline in teen birthrates was largely attributable to increased contraceptive use by teens of both genders. Among women aged 15 to 17, about a quarter of the long-term decline in pregnancies, births and abortions could be attributable to reduced sexual activity, the researchers said. Paraphrased paragraph: The res ...

1. ** Source information:
Date: Wed Feb 8, 2012 12:23pm
Document type: ArticleTitle: “Teen pregnancy, abortion rates at
record low, study says”
Authors: By James B. Kelleher, Editing by Cynthia Johnston
Source: “Teen pregnancy, abortion rates at record low, study
says.”reuters.com. Feb 8, 2012
< http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/08/us-teen-
pregnancy-idUSTRE8171J020120208>.
** Summary:
Since 1972 until 2008, the rate of pregnancy and abortion
among teenagers in the United States decreased significantly,
and the rate of contraceptive use increased. In 2008, which is
the most recent year that the Guttmacher researchers looked at
government statistics on teen-age sex, pregnancies, births and
abortion. They found that nearly 750,000 U.S. women under the
age of 20 became pregnant in 2008, nearly 98 percent of them
between the ages of 15 and 19. In 2008 the rate of teen abortion
had decreased since 1972. The researchers and analyzers think
the percentage decreased because both male and female teens
used contraception. The researchers found that teen who had
pregnancies and abortions between the ages of 15to 17 may be
affected long-term. This long-term affect could show as a
decline in their sexual activity. However, Racial and ethnic
disparities are still seen in the African American communities.
They found that the abortion rate is still two to four times that
of their white peers. In addition, in 2008 they found the birth
rates for Hispanic and black teens were more than twice those
of the counterpart, and the Hispanic teen abortion rate were
twice as high as the rate of white peers and black teen abortion
rate were four times higher than the rate of the Caucasian.
** Quotations:

2. 1. The researcher said that the disparities between race affect
the teens and make them abort a fetus:
But disparities among racial and ethnic groups continued to
persist, with black and Hispanic teens experiencing pregnancy
and abortion rates two to four times higher than their white
peers, the Guttmacher Institute, the nonprofit sexual health
research group that conducted the analysis, said.
2. The percentage of the teens pregnant decreased because teen
are more alert, to the use of contraceptives “The teen abortion
rate in 2008 dropped to the lowest rate seen since 1972 at 17.8
per 1,000 teen girls and women, the analysis found, and was
down 59 percent from 1988 when the abortion rate peaked at
43.5 per 1,000 teen women. The Guttmacher researchers said
the decline in teen birthrates was largely attributable to
increased contraceptive use by teens of both genders.”
** Paraphrasing:
Original paragraph:
The Guttmacher researchers said the decline in teen birthrates
was largely attributable to increased contraceptive use by teens
of both genders. Among women aged 15 to 17, about a quarter
of the long-term decline in pregnancies, births and abortions
could be attributable to reduced sexual activity, the researchers
said.
Paraphrased paragraph:
The researcher found that the rate of teen pregnancy decreased
because of increase in using the contraceptive on both of male
and female teens. In addition, researchers found that teen
females who aged between 15-17, may be affect their sexual life
on long term, if they faced pregnancy and abortion at a young
age
**Respond:
This article talked about the pregnancy and abortion of

3. teenagers, as well as, the percentage of the abortions since 1972
and how it decreased through 2008. It also addresses how race
affects these statistics and the differences between the races
such as African American, Hispanic…etc. The researchers found
the main cause for the decline in abortion was teen awareness to
contraception. I was really shocked at that rate of the abortion
in 1972. It was nearly 98 percent teens between the ages of 15
and 19. In 2008, the rate decreased to 59 percent. A lot of teens
use contraceptives today.
**Source information:
Date: May 27, 2009
Document type: Article
Title: “Why Teens Choose Abortion: How Parental
Involvement, Abortion Access, Educational Aspirations Play a
Role ”
Authors: Linda Lowen
Source: “Why Teens Choose Abortion: How Parental
Involvement, Abortion Access, Educational Aspirations Play a
Role ” about.com. May 27, 2009
<http://womensissues.about.com/od/teenpregnancy/a/TeenAbort
Reasons.htm>
**Summary:
Study shows that teens and share similar reasons as to
why they abortion and some of the reasons include priorities,
finance, preparedness and fear of unknown. Factors that
influence choices especially for abortion in teens include
parent, society, religion, peer, educational levels, educational
levels, socioeconomic status and access to family planning
facilities.
Parent’s involvement
There involvement influences the choices the teens make. The
various states have different regulation on how to secure
abortion. Parents need to know the sexual activeness of their
teens in order to ease relations and decisions for the teen.

4. Education levels
Teens fear changes that come with having a baby
especially the fear of negative impacts on their lives. There is
fear of education interruption that has ramifications in other
aspects in life such as poverty. Pregnant teens tend to compare
their condition and that of others who have successfully aborted
and succeeded in life and they may want to imitate them.
Comparisons show that pregnant teens are disadvantaged since
their education is affected since they do not get time to attend
to school matters. According to study, only 2 percent of teen
moms at age below 18 attain college degree by the age of 30.
Abortion providers
There is little access to abortion services in the U.S. A
study by one federation shows that in 2005, about 87 percent of
counties in the U.S. do not have abortion facilities. Study shows
service seekers travel long distances for abortion services and
the laws on parent notifications also limit access to services.
Cultural influence
Fear of discussing pregnancy is a deep-rooted topic and
secretive to extend of being an obstacle to potential help to
teens. Lack of communication could some times lead to
contemplation of abortion due to helplessness. Unguided
abortions could sometimes lead to severe consequences
including death.
Fear of shame
Teens see abortion as a way of hiding their sexual
activities and associated “shame”. Teens are sensitive to peer
ridicule and this influences pregnant teens to consider abortion.
Media portrayal of Teen Pregnancy and Abortion
Over the years, the media has changed the old views of the
topic with considerable influence toward living normal lives for
the pregnant teens. Increased cases of teen pregnancies
highlighted by the media have helped shade the taboo notion
with many discussing it openly. The positive view of the topic

5. has caused many pregnant teens to choose motherhood and with
growing admiration for having babies, teen abortion may reduce
to the minimal.
**Quotations:
1. The Guttmacher Institute has given similar views about
reasons for teen abortion. The institute quote reasons such as:
“Not wanting their lives changed by the birth of a baby, not
being able to afford a baby and not feeling mature or
responsible enough to raise a child”
2. A study by Planned Parenthood Federation of America,
suggest
“In 2005 87% of counties in the United States had no abortion
provider. Estimates of women who obtained abortions in 2005
indicate that 25% traveled at least 50 miles, and 8% traveled
more than 100 miles. Eight states were served by fewer than
five abortion providers”.
**Paraphrasing:
Original paragraph:
According to Planned Parenthood Federation of America, in
2005 87% of counties in the United States had no abortion
provider. Estimates of women who obtained abortions in 2005
indicate that 25% traveled at least 50 miles, and 8% traveled
more than 100 miles. Eight states were served by fewer than
five abortion providers. North Dakota has only one abortion
provider.
Paraphrased paragraph
A 2005 study by Planned Parenthood Federation of America
suggested that as many as 87 percent of U.S. counties did not
have abortion services. Same study says that up to 25 percent of
abortion seeker travelled a minimum of 50 miles to seek
services while another 8 percent travelled at least 100 miles.
North Dakota had one provider while there were fewer than five
abortion providers in about eight states.

6. **Respond:
Teen abortion is still a controversial issue especially with
objections by some mainstream religious groups that is
ultimately enhancing the trend towards teen mothers. Although
it is clear that teen motherhood is a potential distraction to the
lives of the child, the stakeholders should try device ways to
eliminate obstacles and enable them leave a normal live.
** Source information:
Date: Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2010
Document type: Article
Title: “New Data: Teen Pregnancy, Abortion on the Rise”
Authors: Belinda Luscombe
Source: “New Data: Teen Pregnancy, Abortion on the Rise”
time.com. Jan. 26, 2010
<
http://content.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1956645,00.h
tml >
**Summary:
Until 2006, the rates of teen pregnancies have been on the
decline for more than a decade and half according to credible
sources from Guttmacher and Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention reports. According to the reports, most of the
pregnancies were among ages 18 and 19. These reports are a
source of information for stakeholders in churches, schools and
government. The rate of pregnancies has fluctuated over the
years since the 1970s. The 1990s records the highest number of
teen pregnancies.
Recent increases in teen pregnancies have been more in the
minority segment although in the overall, it has been declining.
Studies conducted in 2005 show that white teen pregnancy was
at 4.4 percent as compared to 12 for black and non-white

7. Hispanic although it was considerable decline for both.
Guttmacher report breaks down pregnancy figure for ease of use
for stakeholders. The institute champions many options
associated with challenges of teen pregnancies besides
abstinence.
Abortion trend shows that those more inclined to perform it are
whites and Hispanic teenagers. For example, studies by
Guttmacher in 1990 shows that about 43.9 percent of pregnant
white teenager committed abortion while in 2006, about 29.3
percent terminated their pregnancies. In the same period, the
Hispanics experienced 22.9 percent while black teens were 41
percent. Most teens surveyed by Guttmacher cited reasons for
abortion as protection of self-esteem, influence from peer
pressure, need to continue with education, societal pressure, and
lack of guidance and fear of the unknown. The trends started in
2006 are yet to take its levels and stakeholders are keen to see
if the trends are likely to continue or change.
**Quotations:
1. The Guttmacher Institute is supportive of a broad based
approach to teen pregnancy and abortion. Heather Boonstra
who is a senior public policy associate at the New York City–
based organization says that;
“"A strong body of research shows that these programs do not
work,"
2. Guttmacher institute has studied trends among the various
races and ethnic groups and in one of its report in says that;
“ in 1990, 43.9% of pregnant white teens terminated their
pregnancies.” The report goes ahead to compare the numbers
with the other ethnic composition. The report says, “Among
Hispanics, the rate dropped from 28.1% to 22.9% in the same
period. But among black teens, the rate has not moved much in
15 years — holding steady at about 41%.”
**Paraphrasing:
Original paragraph:
“When it comes to abortion, the trend line has been heading

8. downward among whites and Hispanic teens. In 1990, 43.9% of
pregnant white teens terminated their pregnancies, according to
the Guttmacher report. In 2006, 29.3% did. Among Hispanics,
the rate dropped from 28.1% to 22.9% in the same period. But
among black teens, the rate has not moved much in 15 years —
holding steady at about 41%.”
Paraphrased paragraph
Abortion trends show higher trends among whites and Hispanic
teens as compared to black teens. A report by Guttmacher shows
that almost half of the pregnant teens at 43.9 percent secured
abortions as compared to 41 percent and 22.9 percent among the
blacks and Hispanic teens.
**Respond
The article is quite detailed concerning managing teen
pregnancies as a way of approaching the topic. The broad based
approach highlighted by the article focuses on the use of
information to address issues of diversity. In addition, it looks
at ways in which stakeholders can respond through education,
information and new innovative methods.
Source Information for Article on the Religious Perspectives of
Abortion
Date: January 16, 2013
Document type: Article
Title: Religious Groups’ Official Positions on Abortion
Authors: Pew ResearchCenter
Source:http://www.pewforum.org/2013/01/16/religious-groups-
official-positions-on-abortion/
Summary
The article, “Religious Group’s Official Positions on Abortion”
focuses on the identification of the religious positions of
various churches on the controversial issue of abortion. The
religious groups covered in the article include U.S.A’s Baptist
churches, Buddhism, Catholicism, and Latter-day Saints’
Church of Christ, Episcopal Church, Hinduism, American

9. Evangelical Lutheran Church, Islam, Judaism, United Methodist
Church, United Church of Christ, Southern Baptist Convention,
National Council of Churches, and Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A).
The American Baptist Churches does not condemn abortion but
oppose the application of abortion as a way of birth control.
Buddhism does not have an official position regarding abortion,
but many of them are in support of the argument that the life of
an individual begins right at conception. They also believe that
it is morally wrong for one to kill. Catholicism, in their stand,
opposes any form of abortion. The Latter-day Saints’ Church of
Christ opposes abortion but permits the practicing of abortion in
special circumstances such as when the life of the mother is in
danger. Episcopal Church on their part accepts the right for a
woman to undertake abortion only in cases such as the
occurrence of fetal abnormalities, cases involving risks to the
health of the mother, incest or rape.
In Hinduism, abortion is highly condemned unless the mother’s
life is in danger. In the case of American Evangelical Lutheran
Church, abortion before fetus viability is acceptable while
abortion after fetus viability is condemned. The Islam religion,
on their part accepts abortion done within four months after
conception. However, the abortion done after four months from
the time of conception is condemned. The Jewish religion
teaches for the sanctioning abortion as a way in which the life
of the mother is safeguarded. In general, the article shows that
though there might be special considerations among the
different religious groups, abortion is generally condemned by
religious groups.
Quotations
1. “elective abortion for personal or social convenience is
contrary to the will and the commandments of God” (Pew
ResearchCenter, par. 4). From the quotation, it is clear that the
abortion that is done based on either social convenience or
personal convenience, according to the teachings of the God’s
commandments, is not accepted.

10. 2. “abortion prior to viability [of a fetus] should not be
prohibited by law or by lack of public funding” (Pew
ResearchCenter, par. 6)
This statement of the quotation supports abortion that is carried
out before the fetus becomes viable. It thus does not accept any
opposition from law.
Paraphrasing
Original Paragraph
In accordance with its widely publicized anti-abortion
teachings, the Catholic Church opposes abortion in all
circumstances and often leads the national debate on abortion.
Paraphrased Paragraph
Based on Catholic Church’s teachings on anti-abortion, Catholic
Church condemns abortion undertaken under all circumstances.
Response: Based on the general views of the various religious
groups, abortion is generally non-permissible. However, there
are circumstances in which it is permissible such as the time
when the mother’s life is in danger. I also support this argument
because abortion done to save the life of a mother is ethically
permissible.
Source information for the article that accepts that Abortion is
Murder
Date: 1997
Document type: Article
Title: Human Personhood Begins at Conception
Authors: PETER KREEFT
Source:http://catholiceducation.org/articles/abortion/ab0004.ht
ml
Summary
In the article, the author has highlighted the arguments that the
supporters of abortion employ in trying to show that abortion is
not murder. These are the main arguments that are employed to
argue and support that the unborn child cannot be considered to
be a person. The author then goes ahead to support why such
arguments are not true arguments. In the article, the author

11. argues that both the Christians and the non-Christians take
different sides regarding abortion. He mentions that there is no
clear cut on the issue of abortion because abortion is a very
controversial issue. These arguments about abortion, according
to the author, are all about the determination on whether or not
the life of an individual begins right after conception or not.
According to the pro-abortionists, abortion is not murder
because they do not accept that life starts right when conception
takes place, an argument that is strongly opposed by the author,
who believes that life starts immediately after conception. The
article presents seven arguments that are employed to support
that abortion is murder.
Quotations
1. “peace on earth, good will toward men” (KREEFT, par.4).
The quotation above is used to imply that abortion is evil and
that abortion is murder. This is based on the biblical argument
that human beings are created in God’s image and that all
human beings are sacred. The above quotation thus calls for the
abolition of abortion as it denies the right to live.
2. “Thou shalt not kill” (KREEFT, par.19). This is one of the
commandments of God. This quotation seeks to explain that the
killing of human beings, deliberately, is an act that is forbidden.
Since abortion is a deliberate killing undertaking, it is thus
equated to murder thus should not be practiced.
Paraphrasing
Original paragraph
There are no “potential persons” any more than there are
potential apes. All persons are actual, as all apes are actual.
Actual apes are potential swimmers, and actual persons are
potential philosophers. The being is actual, the functioning is
potential. The objection confuses “a potential person” with “a
potentially functioning person”-Functionalism again.
Paraphrased paragraph
Just as there are no potential apes, thus are no potential persons.
Both the apes and the persons are all actual. Actual apes are
considered to be potential swimmers and on the other hand,

12. actual persons are equated to actual philosophers. In both cases,
beings are considered to be actual while the functioning of these
beings is considered to be potential. The whole controversy in
the issue is based on the confusion that exists between
functionally functioning persons and potential persons.
Response
Abortion is a very controversial subject. However, I believe that
abortion is murder because it ii denies the fetus the life, that
according to the bible, begins right after conception.
Works cited
Pew ResearchCenter. Religious Groups’ Official Positions on
Abortion. January 16, 2013. November 14, 2013. Retrieved
from: http://www.pewforum.org/2013/01/16/religious-groups-
official-positions-on-abortion/
KREEFT, PETER. Human Personhood Begins at Conception.
1997. November 14, 2013. Retrieved from:
http://catholiceducation.org/articles/abortion/ab0004.html
Cause Effect Outline Template
Name:
____________________________________________________
I. Introduction – Thesis Statement
II. Background of Event/Situation – Important info your
audience should know about
the event or situation you have been researching. Often this will
be a explanation of

13. what happened (Who, what, where, when, etc). This should
develop the context of
your research topic.
(Note: If you are doing only Causes, each following section will
introduce a new cause. If you are doing only
Effects, each following section will introduce each new effect.
If you are examining both Causes and Effects,
each Cause should be presented first, then each Effect.
III. First Cause / Effect
A. Explanation of the cause/effect
1. Specific Research Support (Say)
2. Your analysis of your research information (Mean, Matter)
B. Additional Supporting Idea with explanation
1. Specific Research Support (Say)
2. Your analysis of your research information (Mean, Matter)
IV. Second Cause / Effect
C. Explanation of the cause/effect
3. Specific Research Support (Say)
4. Your analysis of your research information (Mean, Matter)

14. D. Additional Supporting Idea with explanation
3. Specific Research Support (Say)
4. Your analysis of your research information (Mean, Matter)
V. Third Cause / Effect
E. Explanation of the cause/effect
5. Specific Research Support (Say)
6. Your analysis of your research information (Mean, Matter)
F. Additional Supporting Idea with explanation
5. Specific Research Support (Say)
6. Your analysis of your research information (Mean, Matter)
ETC. Continue this process if you have more Causes or Effects
VI. Conclusion – Restate Thesis, Summarize Key
Causes/Effects, Final comment
VII. Works Cited
VIII. Appendix
A. Survey Questions, Tabulation, Charts