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When the topic of teen pregnancy is brought to the forefront, there are many opinions about its position in America. Many cannot determine whether or not Teen pregnancy should be considered an American tragedy or simply a preventable epidemic. In order to begin to understand the position teen pregnancy plays in America, society must understand the challenges that the mother as well as those around her undergo, the differences in cultural beliefs that are directly related to fluctuating teen pregnancy rates, and pregnancy prevention methods available to teen girls. The effects of becoming a teen mother are endless. There are numerous effects on society, the teen’s family, the teen and the baby. Teen pregnancy negatively effects the national economy. This effect is mainly caused by teen dropout rates which causes a significant amount of income loss. Teen pregnancy costs U.S. taxpayers about $11 billion per year due to increased health care and foster care, increased incarceration rates among children of teen parents, and lost tax revenue because of lower educational attainment and income among teen mothers. The teen’s family also undergoes pressure. The family may experience emotional impact regarding coping with the upcoming new addition. Children who are born to teen mothers also experience a wide range of problems. The effects on the infant can range from low birth weight and higher risk for infant mortality to lower levels of emotional support and cognitive stimulation.