Pregnant and Punished? Punitive Educational Policies in the United States and Finland for Pregnant Adolescents

• In Event: Women's Health and Reproductive Freedom

Abstract

This study investigated the interconnectedness of adolescent pregnancy and educational policies implemented in the United States and Finland. Utilizing comparative case study, we focused on educators’ perceptions of how policy affects adolescents who become pregnant during secondary education. We found that support for students who become pregnant within the educational systems relies heavily on funding, which has an effect on a variety of contributing factors; including bygone Puritan American prejudices, beliefs, and values. This inequitable support for exceptional students’ educational attainment calls for additional research into policies that support pregnant and parenting students as well as the equitable academic and social outcomes of those students.

Authors

• Jordan Donop, Texas A&M University

• Matthew J. Etchells, Texas A&M University

• Joshua Sonnenberg, Coppell ISD

• Trisha Markel, Texas A&M University

• Adriana Arredondo, Texas A&M University

• Nick Ange, Texas A&M University