Compared with babies born to older mothers, babies born to adolescent mothers, particularly young adolescent mothers, are at higher risk of low birthweight and infant mortality. They are more likely to grow up in homes that offer lower levels of emotional support and cognitive stimulation and they are less likely to earn high school diplomas. For the mothers, giving birth during adolescence is associated with limited educational attainment, which in turn can reduce employment prospects and earnings potential.
The report "America's Children: Key National Indicators of Well-Being: 2011" has current data about "Adolescent Births", some of which are shown below.
There were 124,256 births to adolescents aged 15-17 in 2009, according to preliminary data.
In 2009, 94% of births to females ages 15–17 were to unmarried mothers, compared with 62% in 1980.
You may find it helpful to read the chapters “Who is the pregnant single mother?” in our book “How To Survive Your Teen’s Pregnancy“.
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