Teenage pregnancy makes visible the pressures, relationships and reproductive conditions that shape young people’s lives across southern Africa.
Articles on Teen pregnancy
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Parental involvement laws and the stigma of teen pregnancy create significant barriers for teenagers seeking abortions. These factors are pushing teens to obtain abortion pills online.
Far from being simply glamorous or transactional, relationships with a “blesser” expose young women to risks.
One woman explained other parents at school ‘would literally not talk to me, they wouldn’t let their children come over.’
Community-engaged research that includes the meaningful participation of young mothers can make them feel heard and empowered, and it informs better policymaking on teen pregnancy.
Adolescent girls are more at risk during childbirth. Stigma and abuse by healthcare workers makes them less likely to seek medical care, putting their lives further in danger.
Almost one in three teen mothers do not return to school. Cash incentives help get them back, but affordable day-care is essential too.
In addition to motherhood these girls experience social inequality, chronic stress, violence, and food insecurity. When teenagers become mothers, their adversities are compounded.
Education is important for girls’ future earning power and the promotion of their lifelong health and socioeconomic well-being.
States taking the strictest stands against abortion tend to have among the worst statistics in the nation on child and family well-being.
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Pregnant teens in Kenya face a number of challenges.
Violence is not just a private matter between people. Regulating it is not the duty of communities or the state alone.
Teenage girls in Kenya who fall pregnant either drop out of school or risk unsafe abortions.
Sex education in progressive countries like The Netherlands and Switzerland emphasizes intimacy, adventure and connection. Lower rates of teen pregnancy and sexual dysfunction ensue.
A detailed new review should encourage us to ask some awkward questions.
Top contributors
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Research Scientist, African Population and Health Research Center
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Data analyst, African Population and Health Research Center
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Professor of Psychology, University of New Brunswick
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Senior Research Scientist, African Population and Health Research Center
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Assistant Professor, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam; Independent Social Research Foundation
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Research scientist, African Population and Health Research Center
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Researcher - Global Health, University of Oxford
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Research fellow, Centre for Social Research, University of Malawi
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Professor of Law, University of Virginia
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Postdoctoral fellow, University of Oxford
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Research Associate, School of Child and Youth Care, University of Victoria
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Professor, School of Child and Youth Care, University of Victoria
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Lecturer in Social Work, James Cook University
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Deputy Executive Director, Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal
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Professor of Sexual and Reproductive Health, Rutgers University
