Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that the matter of births out of wedlock is a continuous issue that has its causation deeply linked to values, morals and beliefs. The writer points out that statistical information gathered by census bureaus and departments of health indicate that in nearly all industrialized nations, including the United States, the number of births out of wedlock has increased dramatically over the past thirty years. The writer maintains that the number of opposing explanations for the increase in the number of births out of wedlock over the past thirty years is equal to the variety of opinions concerning the act of having a child out of wedlock. This paper argues that the increase over the past thirty years in births out of wedlock is due to the concurrent increase in women's rights, with a specific emphasis on the increase in reproductive rights. The writer concludes that although it is possible that other explanations do exist for the increase in births out of wedlock, such as the epidemic of teenage pregnancies, for the most part the increase in births out of wedlock among adult women can be attributed primarily to the increase in women's rights, and not to a decrease in morality.

From the Paper
" The number of births out of wedlock has continued to increase, and these increases can constantly be tied to the increases in women's rights and reproductive freedoms. As reproductive technology became more advanced, and as women gained more equal ground in the career force, more and more women began to choose the option of intentionally becoming pregnant out of wedlock. This explanation for the increase in out of wedlock births has been all but ignored by the far moralistic right who point to promiscuity and lack of moral behavior as the cause for increased out of wedlock births. On the contrary, many women are far from promiscuous, but have decided to put their desire for having a child and raising a family above society's dogma that children are only appropriate after marriage. Reproductive technologies now allow women to use sperm donors, and also allow women to wait much later in life before having children. Thus, the stigma associated with having a child out of wedlock has decreased in direct proportion to the increase in women's rights, which is concurrently related, in a positive manner, to the increase in births out of wedlock."

Tags:pregnancies, single, mothers, child, premarital, sex

Abstract
The majority of low birth weight (LBW), pre-term births are preventable with the proper pre-natal care and wise decision making by the birth mother. The paper begins by describing the problems connected with pre-term births, including the high costs, retardation, developmental problems, etc. It then provides demographic statistics about pre-term birth rates in the United States. Finally, the paper proposes a program modeled on a mentoring system, which could be implemented by a local hospital in order to positively effect changes in the LBW among teens and minority families.

From the Paper
"Many individual programs have been designed and implemented by individual agencies, but if the at risk population is still not making use of these programs, there will be only small positive effects felt by the women in the highest need of help. In order to draw together the resources with the target community, any program must have a solid theoretical basis, and for this purpose, this proposal turns to the Health Belief Model (HBM). The HBM is a psychosocial model ( Rosenstock, 1990) which is designed to draw together the various resources while at the same time equipping the target population with the needed tools to take advantage of the resources."

Tags:HBM, health, care, provider, MOPS

Abstract
This paper discusses the prevalence of premature births in the United States. The paper analyzes reasons for the rising numbers of babies who are born before 37 weeks gestation and the consequences of these rising numbers. The paper discusses prevention of premature births, especially education programs.

From the Paper
"A small number of previous studies have explored the association between criteria air pollutants--carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter with diameter [less than or equal to] 10 [micro]m (P[M.sub.10]), and in some cases total suspended particulates (TSP)--and preterm delivery by examining spatial exposure contrasts between individuals based on the place of residence at birth. Although these studies varied with regard to the pollutant(s) evaluated, the most consistent findings reported were for positive associations between P[M.sub.10]/TSP and S[O.sub.2] late in pregnancy and preterm delivery . (Sagiv et al., 2005)"

Tags:environmental, gestation, pediatrics

Abstract
This paper examines the ethical issues involved in administering fertility drugs that have a high likelihood of resulting in a multiple birth. Various factors are considered in the paper that oppose this practice, such as health of the mother, her child and tremendous health care costs that children born as a result of multiple pregnancies pose to society. Counter arguments are also presented that are in favor of a woman's reproductive autonomy. The paper then touches on how this issue relates to abortion and other public policies. Additionally, the paper discusses the role and responsibility of physicians in administering fertility drugs. The paper concludes by calling for greater regulation of reproductive technology, such as fertility drugs, which would ideally be mandated by the medically profession itself, or by the U.S. Congress.

Outline:

Basic Ethical and Legal Issues
First Impressions
Formal Guidelines
Analysis
Single or Competing Theories
Public-Policy Implications
Normative Conclusions

From the Paper
"Thus, it is arguable that to protect the life of the mother, to protect the lives of her future children, and also to contain the tremendous healthcare costs that children born as a result of multiple pregnancies pose to society, reproductive technology such as fertility drugs should be heavily regulated. The counterweight to this argument is that legally, women fought for decades for reproductive autonomy. Just because certain ethical decisions make someone uncomfortable, personally--such as late-term abortion or multiple pregnancies--does not mean that they should be outlawed, as the impingement upon the individual's privacy ultimately causes more harm to the social contract between government and its citizens. In fact, arguing that doctors should not have an 'opt out' option regarding abortion has been a core part of the pro-reproductive rights movement, as this limits women's access to abortion. Increasing rather than decreasing access and choice is a cornerstone of reproductive freedom."

Tags:Nadya Suleman, embryos, reproductive technology

Abstract
The paper discusses the introduction of birthing pools for labor and childbirth. This paper critically analyzes the environment of water birth in its social context, taking into account the physiology, psychology and spirituality of childbirth. The paper looks at recent research that indicates the benefits of water birth for both the mother and the child and examines the beliefs and opinions of those who fear this approach. The paper concludes that that there is little evidence that shows any valid threat in this method for either the child or the mother.

Outline:
Introduction
Historical Background
The Claimed Benefits of Water Birth
Concerns and Objections
Recent Research
Holistic and Spiritual Approaches
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Although it has only been relatively recent that the initiatives of using warm-water pools for labour and childbirth have been introduced into Western culture, there are records of women giving birth in shallow sea water in the South Pacific Islands, and also of Egyptian Pharaohs being born in the waters of the Nile. And, throughout the world today, there are many cultures that use water as a medium for birthing, due to the belief that it is a natural environment for child birth (Susanna Napierala pp. 67-74)."

Tags:health, natural, pain, midwife

Abstract
The paper reveals that catastrophic birth defects are found in 3 out of every 100 live births in the United States and are caused by either genetic or environmental problems. The paper goes on to relate how the costs of birth defects are tremendous; hospital care alone comes to $2.6 billion a year and individual costs are much higher. The paper discusses prevention that includes early screening, proper diet, nutrition, avoidance of pollutants, etc.

From the Paper
"Catastrophic birth defects are more common than people realize. Some, but not all are preventable. They have a major impact on families and on society in general. According to the United States Center for Disease Control: Birth defects are conditions that 1) result from a malformation, deformation, or disruption in one or more parts of the body; 2) are present at birth; and 3) have a serious, adverse effect on health, development, or functional ability. ("Hospital Stays...")"

Tags:birth defects, genetics, environmental

Abstract
A study of birth rates between 2005 and 2006 for teenagers, young adults and older adults. The paper considers factors such as age, race, education, income, divorce status and unintentional births.

From the Paper
"The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a difference in birth rates between and for teenagers, young adults and older adults. In addition, this study seeks to determine if age, race, education, income, divorce, status, unintentional birth and number of children predict declines in birth rates. United States government census data will be used to test the following hypotheses; there will be a significant difference between and birth rates for teenagers..."

Tags:Birth, teenagers, adults, income, divorce, race, age, education

From the Paper
"WELFARE REFORM IN NEW JERSEY & OUT-OF-WEDLOCK BRITHS/ABORTION
Introduction
This research examines the implementation of welfare reform in New Jersey in the wake of the enactment of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act, the welfare reform law, at the federal level of government. A specific focus of this examination is the effect that welfare reform in New Jersey has had on the rates of out-of-wedlock births and abortions in the state.

Implementation of Welfare Reform
Substantive welfare reform was a contentious political issue in the United States from the day of the election of President Clinton in 1992 (Minow & Weissbourd, 1993) through 1996, when a welfare reform law was enacted (Riccio & Hasenfeld,.."

Abstract
This paper discusses one of the most contentious issues in contemporary American life, birth control.
This paper examines birth control in America and argues that birth control is something which should be readily available to all citizens just as long as certain protocols are followed. In so doing, however, this paper also points out the arguments of those who are unconvinced that wide spread birth control is desirable. In the end, this paper's central contention is that having a child is an enormously challenging development in the lives of young people (or old people, for that matter) and it should only be undertaken if the parents (or parent) possess the maturity, the desire and the resources necessary to do the job well.

Tags:birth, control, rights

Abstract
This paper examines and compares two articles on how birth order affects a person's behavior. The two articles, "Born for Each Other" by Pamela Withers and "How Your Birth Order Influences Your Life Adjustment" by Lucille K. Forer, both express a general agreement that birth order does shape our attitudes and behavior.

From the Paper
"The two articles to be compared in this report each focus on questions related to birth order. Pamela Withers, in "Born for Each Other", provides a list of common birth order characteristics and also discusses some aspects of what it means to be an only child. Lucille K. Forer in, "How Your Birth Order Influences Your Life Adjustment", considers the effect of birth order on relationships with parents siblings and self development. This essay will compare and contrast these two related articles each..."

Tags:birth order, psychology