Teenage Pregnancy and Schooling

Teenage pregnancy has been seen as a public health problem due to its high incidence, because it causes low levels of education in women and because it contributes to the reproduction of poverty. In this sense, schools show the highest proportion of adolescent mothers at the national level in the last two years of Lockdown and school closer due to COVID 19. This period has registered, high numbers of adolescent mothers, a low level of education for women, and a high level of poverty.

Pregnancy at an early age leads to public health problems, since it puts the life and integrity of adolescents and their babies at risk. It is also considered a social problem, as it is a limitation in the development of their skills and abilities in the construction of the life project of young people. Remaining in a situation of pregnancy affects the adolescent mother as well as the young parent in areas of her life as important as education, which is undoubtedly a key element for development in her life.

Due to the foregoing, the government and families must address this phenomenon from two angles: prevention to reduce this phenomenon in adolescent women and men, and the creation of support mechanisms for those who are already in this situation, so that they have the necessary support to achieve their academic goals, without neglecting their new responsibility. But, how to understand this phenomenon?

It is important that the phenomenon of teenage pregnancy be treated intersectorally. The government’s efforts should focus on immediate and quality care for young women to take care of their lives and that of their babies; It must also guarantee the means so that young people in this situation do not drop out of school and can have a greater opportunity to get jobs with decent income and, last but not least, design and implement strategies that have an impact on the reduction of the fertility rate of this age group in the short-term future.

Finally, remember that pregnant teens need to have access to whatever options are available, without being judged. Discovering that she is pregnant is extremely sensitive and emotional for the adolescent, her family and her sexual partner. Whatever your decision becoming a mother, putting your baby up for adoption, planning family care, or having an abortion it’s likely to have life changing consequences. Creating an accepting environment for a pregnant teen allows her to feel safe in exploring her feelings about the pregnancy and her future.