- Social stigmas for unmarried mothers and children
- Limited education
- Fewer career or job opportunities
- Heavy economic burden
- Depression, loss of self-confidence and lack of
hope
- Consequences more severe for young women than men
- Children of young parents may face psychological,
social and economic obstacles
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In most cultures, young unmarried mothers face social stigmas
that can have harmful psychological and social impact. Pregnancy
usually means the end of formal education. In many sub-Saharan
countries, girls are expelled from school if pregnant, according
to a review of adolescent health rights. In Kenya, for example,
some 10,000 girls leave school annually due to an unplanned
pregnancy.
Becoming a mother at a young age alters basic life choices
in terms of careers, opportunities and future marriage. It is
a major economic burden. Those who are already poor are more
likely to remain in poverty. For economic reasons, in some countries
young unmarried mothers resort to prostitution to support their
children. Any of these consequences can lead to depression,
loss of self-confidence, lack of hope and other adverse psychological
conditions. However, in a few cultures, women are expected to
prove their fertility, and early childbearing, even outside
of marriage, can improve a woman's status.
The consequences of early pregnancy are much more severe for
young women than for men. But some young men may also bear some
social and psychological consequences, especially if they leave
school to support a child, reducing their opportunities for
education or economic advancement.
These consequences also affect the lives of the children. Many
teenage parents lack the experience, skills and resources that
they need to raise their children.
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