Family Formation Among Single Mothers in Jamaica

Abstract

Teenage pregnancy in Jamaica is a development issue because its effects are felt in every facet of the society. The mother’s ability to care for her child both financially and emotionally is severely limited. The effects felt by the children borne to teenage mothers have huge impacts on the types of citizens and productive labourers that are formed. The Jamaican society is just as intimately affected by teenage pregnancy as the mother and child. . . . The increase in the fertility rates of the adolescent age group means that teenage pregnancy can no longer be ignored. Teenage pregnancy marginalizes the capabilities of these girls. This ultimately hurts the general society. It is therefore imperative that attention is paid to adolescent pregnancy. Progress will require changes at several levels: the government, non-profits, social norms and the attitudes of individuals. [From Conclusion]