Teenage Pregnancy Across the Globe

Teenage pregnancy is one of largest issues facing developed nations. In the United States, it is estimated that teenage pregnancy costs the American taxpayer $9 billion annually.  Apart from being a burden on the taxpayer, teen pregnancy carries high emotional, financial, and physical costs to my mother, father, child, and community. In developed countries, early motherhood has adverse social and economical effects on the mother and child. Nearly 50% of all adolescent mothers sought social assistance within the first five years of their child's life. Because of this, teen moms often face a certain social stigma in developed countries.

Teenage pregnancy, despite being one of the largest social issues in the developed world, is viewed welcomingly in many developing countries; and, it shows in the map above. Unlike developed countries, teenage mothers in developing countries are often welcomed by society, family, and are usually married.