First Draft - Voiceover (Prescilla Nyemba)

In recent years, the increase in teenage pregnancy has become a worrying concern in society. It is proclaimed that the UK's rate of pregnancies in females aged 15-19 makes it the "worst" in Europe. With statistics showing that a total of 41,325 women under 18 fell pregnant in the year 2008 down 3.9% from 42,988 in 2007, the figures show. The information that support teenage pregnancy as a social issue in developed countries include lower education levels, a high rate of poverty and also poorer life out comes in children of the teenage mothers. Teenage pregnancy in society today is usually outside of marriage and it carries a social stigma in a lot of communities. For reasons like this there have been many campaigns and studies which try to unveil the cause and try to limit the numbers of teenage pregnancies each year. 



Havering's statistics are higher than London's average. The figures show that in these particular boroughs 49% had poor awareness of where to access free contraception, compared to fewer than 5% having high knowledge on contraception/sexual health service. Pregnancy Crisis Clinic is an organisation in Havering who help those in need with pregnancy troubles. They offer counseling to older couples as well as young single mothers. The clinic offers, moral support and contraceptive advice to sexually active youths. The government believes that organisations like the Pregnancy Crisis Clinic are needed to decrease pregnancy in Britain.         


Although there are many struggling teenage mothers in Britain, it is still not seen as something that is a norm in society. Many teenagers feel that they are targeted or seen in a bad light. Jade Simmons became pregnant at sixteen and since then has been struggling to make ends meet. She believes that people view young mothers like her in a bad light. She believes that more should be done to help young mothers. For the mothers aged between 15 and 19 the age in its self isn't a risk factor. But more risks may be associated with factors linked to a more socioeconomic side. The life outcome for the teenage mothers and their children varies. Factors such as poverty or social support might be more important than the age of the mother at birth. Teenage mothers who use family as well as community support, child-care and social services continue their education and get higher payed jobs as they progress with their education.


Teen fathers are more often an overlooked population, both as individuals without needs and as potential resources in the lives of their children. Data from the National Centre for Health Statistics suggest that around 17.4 per 1,000 teenage males ages 15-19 years became fathers in the year 2002. Studies suggest this number might be even higher. Teen fathers face developmental dilemma, where they need to transition into parenthood while simultaneously going through the stage of adolescence and become a adult. Despite common stereotypes that we all live by, there is an increase in evidence that teen fathers want to be and are involved in their child's life in some ways. Teen parent programs which help young fathers with the legal aspect of parenthood, teach them parenting skills, and promote healthy lifestyles have shown to be effective. As well as programs for teenage parents the family of the teenage father helps out.


There are many views in society when it comes to teenage pregnancy. The Catholic Church's perspective of sex and pregnancy outside marriage does not change according to the people involved. Although pregnancy is frowned upon, the church believes that the mother needs all the support she needs to bring the child to birth. There are many catholic charities out there who give teenage mothers help who need it. The Catholic Church also encourages  adoption.


Pregnant teenagers face many of the same obstetrics issues as older women in theirs 20s and 30s. However there are concerns for younger mothers, mostly to those under the age of fifteen and also to those living in a country that is less developed than others.  Teenage mothers are more likely to have a baby that is premature and at a low birth weight. Pregnancy and birth can also put a tremendous amount of strain on the teenagers body. The pregnant teenager takes risks of of injuring her spine and her pelvic bones altering her life forever. irresponsible behavior in some teens may put them and the baby at risk. Sexually transmitted diseases can easily be spread to an unborn baby. If untreated can result in disastrous consequences for both the mother and unborn baby.


England has the highest teenage pregnancy rate in Western Europe. This is an alarming statistic that has entered national consciousness. This is something that our politicians and commentators frequently remind us of. To achieve their aim of lowering the rate of teenage pregnancy they sought to make sex education 'better' both in and out of school. The government also want to improve the access of contraception. Most of the strategies give more space for preventing teenage pregnancies compared to their plans for supporting teenage mothers. These prevention strategies involve a more comprehensive approach to education on sex and relationships.