Some of the consequences are:
- Some boys refuse to take responsibility for the pregnancy, which can contribute to hardship for the mother and child and also can lead to future regret.
- Boys who become fathers lose opportunities for education and future economic advancement. Those who marry leave school to support their new families.
- Young fathers are often ill-prepared to raise a child, which may lead to childrearing problems like child abuse or neglect.
- Premature marriages which occur because of early pregnancy are frequently unstable and end in divorce.
As you have seen, pregnancy in adolescence has several bad effects. For this reason, it is important to prevent pregnancy in adolescents or delay it until a couple is in a secure and loving relationship. (Figure 8.3)
Figure 8.3 Young couple discussing family planning after the birth of their first child.
What should adolescents do to prevent pregnancy?
Show answer
As you have learned in the Family Planning Module, they should use contraceptives to prevent pregnancy and childbearing.
In Section 8.2 you will learn which contraceptive methods are the most appropriate ones for young people.