What adverse effects are associated with teen pregnancy? The social and economic costs of teen pregnancy and childbearing are often high, and these costs can be both immediate and long-term for teen parents and their children. For example, teen pregnancy and childbirth contribute significantly to drop-out rates among high school girls. Only about 50% of teen mothers receive a high school diploma by age 22, compared with nearly 90% of women who did not give birth during adolescence.
Children who are born to teen mothers also experience a wide range of problems. For example, they are more likely to
Children who are born to teen mothers also experience a wide range of problems. For example, they are more likely to
- Have fewer skills and be less prepared to learn when they enter kindergarten.
- Have behavioral problems and chronic medical conditions.
- Rely more heavily on publicly funded health care.
- Be incarcerated at some time during adolescence.
- Drop out of high school.
- Give birth as a teenager.
- Be unemployed or underemployed as a young adult.