Teen Pregnancies Nigeria Highest South Korea Lowest Kaiser Family Foundation Survey

The Legal age to conceive differs from country to country. Generally a when a girl, in her teens (between 13 to 18 years) is pregnant, it is termed as Teen Pregnancy. Across the globe 13 million babies are born of teen mothers annually.


The Teen Pregnancy rate, as surveyed in 2002, was 1.5% to 1.9%. It has been increasing rapidly with the highest in Nigeria (87%) and the lowest in South Korea (0.2%). In the US it is 5.3%. UK tops the chart with the maximum number of Teen Pregnancies in Europe. The number of abortions is also relatively higher. Owing to adequate sex education and sound knowledge of precautions has made teen pregnancies in West Europe minimal.

The predominant reasons behind Teen Pregnancy are the cultural background of a country. Some countries have the tradition of child marriages. These are mostly witnessed in the rural areas. The prevalent ignorance among the illiterate villagers and widespread poverty leads to teen pregnancies.

Another reason is lack of use of proper precautions during the first intercourse. This happens when the youth are restrained from sex education. The curiosity and desire to experience and know more about sex, without being aware of the correct technique leads to Teen Pregnancy.

A survey conducted by Kaiser Family Foundation shows that most teens are either pressurized by their partners for sex, or they have drug or alcohol induced sex. But most teenagers are gradually discovering the usefulness of contraceptives. This is reducing sexually transmitted diseases. No mode of contraception is 100% safe. Casual sex, sex with older men and rape are some other reasons. Consensual sex with a minor in some countries is considered as rape.

Teen Pregnancy has a host of disadvantages. The mortality rate of children born to teenage mothers is pretty low. When Teen Pregnancy occurs prior to marriage, it calls for shame and ignominy for the family of the girl. It is also a disgrace for the girl and her child.

Pregnancy means end of education for the mother. The child gets less social support and may develop psychosocial problems. WHO Claims risk involved during childbirth is double for Teen Pregnancies. The African Government is taking adequate measures to prevent teen pregnancy by starting the Child Support Grant. The International Planned Parenthood Federation counsels teenagers in schools and villages. Teen Pregnancy