Mark Joshua B.

Uy Position Paper Section: 12-Polite

"The Impacts of Teenage Pregnancy"

Teenage pregnancy is a pervasive global issue affecting millions of adolescent girls

annually, disrupting healthy development and leaving a lasting impact on various aspects of their

lives. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that approximately 21 million girls aged

15 to 19 years in developing regions become pregnant each year, with about 12 million of them

giving birth. This alarming trend is influenced by a complex interplay of factors such as limited

access to sexual health services, early marriage, sexual abuse, poverty, gender inequality, and

cultural norms. The gravity of the situation prompts a crucial question: should teenage pregnancy

be dismissed as a societal norm, or recognized as an urgent call to empower young minds?

Teenage pregnancy imposes a significant toll on the physical well-being of adolescent

mothers and their infants. The heightened risks of complications such as eclampsia, puerperal

endometritis, and systemic infections are well-documented by the WHO. Complications during

pregnancy and childbirth emerge as the leading cause of death for 15 to 19-year-old girls

globally. This not only jeopardizes the immediate health of the adolescent mothers but also raises

concerns about the well-being of the newborns.

Infants born to teenage mothers face a heightened risk of low birth weight, preterm birth,

and severe neonatal conditions. These complications not only pose immediate threats to the

health of the newborns but also contribute to long-term challenges that may lead to disabilities or

fatalities for both the adolescent mother and her child. Shockingly, babies born to adolescent

mothers face a substantially higher risk of mortality compared to those born to women aged 20 to

24.
 The adverse impacts of teenage pregnancy extend beyond the physical realm, casting a

profound shadow on the mental health of adolescent mothers. UNICEF DATA reveals that

young mothers are disproportionately susceptible to a spectrum of mental health issues,

including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, and even

suicidal ideation or behavior. The emotional and psychological well-being of these young

mothers is at stake, underscoring the urgency for comprehensive support and intervention.

Despite the pervasive negative consequences, some argue that teenage pregnancy is not a

problem but rather a personal choice or a cultural norm. This viewpoint asserts that teenagers are

capable of making responsible decisions about their sexual behavior and parenthood. However,

this argument overlooks crucial facts—many teenage pregnancies are unintended or unwanted,

indicating that adolescents may not be making fully informed or voluntary decisions about their

sexual behavior and parenthood.

In conclusion, teenage pregnancy, while debated by some as a personal choice or cultural

norm, undeniably has severe adverse impacts on the physical and mental health of adolescent

mothers and their infants. It is an issue that demands comprehensive attention, understanding,

and support. The crucial question persists: will society continue to dismiss teenage pregnancy as

a norm, or will it recognize the urgency to empower young minds and take meaningful action?