In recent years, the increase in teenage pregnancy has risen at an alarming rate. 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 supports teenage pregnancy as a social issue in developed countries includes lower education rates; a high rate of poverty and also a poorer life outcome in the life of the teenager’s child. The aim of this documentary is to inform the how society views teenage pregnancy and how religion and politics take it into account.
Kemi is a pregnant teenager who already faces challenges with society; she shares with us how pregnancy has changed her life.
Havering's statistics are higher than London's average. The figures show that in these particular boroughs 49% wasn’t aware 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, which help those in need with different pregnancy situations. They offer counseling to older couples as well as young single mothers; the clinic also 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.
Teen fathers are more often an overlooked population, both as individuals without needs and as potential resources in the lives of their children. 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. Daniel is a young father who gives us an insight to his life after his child.
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. Andrew Rosindell, the Romford MP shares with us his opinion on Teenage pregnancy and what government are doing trying to do to reduce teenage pregnancy.
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 outside marriage is frowned upon, the church believes that the mother needs all the support she can get with bringing the child up. There are many Catholic charities offer teenage mothers advice and help. Father Thomas from Romford Catholic Church gave us catholic views on teenage pregnancy.
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 negative light. Yinka became pregnant at a young age and since then has been struggling to make ends meet. She believes that more should be done to help young mothers. She believes factors such as poverty or social support is more important than the age of the mother at birth.
Teenage mothers who gain support from their family as well as community support, child-care and social services continue their education and get higher paid jobs as they progress with their education.
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