Topic > Teenage pregnancy and the challenges of teenage motherhood

In 2013, Venka Child, 16, from Bristol, worked with Fixers to create a short video about the challenges facing teenage mothers. In some parts of the video, a teenage mother is shown opening a nearly empty refrigerator. The teen takes the container to steal what might be left to give to his son, but notices that the drink has already gone bad. Then words appear that say “children born to teen mothers are more likely to live in poverty.” Because most teenage parents live below the poverty line, they often rely on public assistance. In a 2004 Census Bureau analysis, findings indicated that 63% of teen mothers worldwide received public benefits in the first three years of their child's life (Holgate, Evans, & Yuen). Furthermore, approximately 90% of teenage mothers are single, and only 25% receive support from the child's father (Holgate, Evans, & Yuen). Motherhood therefore has an economic effect on young people. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Author Hanna states that, aside from other challenges, teen mothers are financially disadvantaged in both the short and long term. Hanna states that “many teenage mothers find strength and fulfillment in their role as motherhood, but this does not come without cost to themselves and their children” (Hanna). The author explains that many teenage mothers are not suited to being parents and do not have adequate support, including financial support. (Hanna). Concludes that teen mothers are young, unprepared for motherhood, and rely heavily on social support (Hanna). The economic impact of motherhood on adolescents is also echoed elsewhere in Teen Mothers and Their Financial Problems. Ogunjimi explains the financial problems faced by teenage mothers. For example, teenage mothers are unable to afford the daily expenses of having a child (Ogunjimi). Most teenage mothers are unable to complete their education, which limits their lifetime earning potential (). Ogunjimi). Furthermore, due to various factors, children of teenage mothers in most cases perform poorly academically and may grow up suffering financially (Ogunjimi). Aside from major problems, teenage mothers do not have jobs, making it difficult to purchase the basic necessities needed to care for their newborns and young children (Ogunjimi). However, being a teenage mother is not the end of life and they can be helped to overcome their financial challenges. A 2013 Public Counsel report indicated that pregnant teens or teen parents do not have enough money to pay for their children's needs or medical care, although they may request assistance (Public Counsel). Public advocate says pregnant teen parents can be helped pay for housing and living standards by applying to CalFresh (public advocate). With CalFresh, teen parents can be helped finish school, get healthcare for themselves and their children, and other financial support (public advisor). Therefore, due to their economic instability, adolescents or pregnant parents may end up living in poverty unless they are helped. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Teen pregnancy and parenthood have become high in both the US and the UK, and there are various issues revolving around parenting.