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Essay / 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 teenage mothers face. In part of the video, a teenage mother is seen opening a nearly empty refrigerator. The teenager takes the container to steal what remains to give to her child, but notices that the drink is already bad. Then words are displayed saying that "children born to teenage mothers are more likely to live in poverty." Since most teen parents live below the poverty line, they often rely on public assistance. In a 2004 Census Bureau analysis, results indicated that 63% of teenage mothers worldwide received public benefits during the first three years of their child's life (Holgate, Evans, and Yuen). Additionally, approximately 90% of teenage mothers are single and only 25% receive support from the child's father (Holgate, Evans, and Yuen). There is therefore an economic effect of motherhood on young people. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay Author Hanna mentions that apart from other challenges, teenage mothers are financially disadvantaged in both the short and long term. Hanna says that “many teen mothers find strength and fulfillment in their role of motherhood, but this is not without cost to themselves or their children” (Hanna). The author explains that many teenage mothers are not fit to become parents and lack adequate support, including financial. (Hanna). She concludes that teenage mothers are young, unprepared for motherhood and heavily dependent on social assistance (Hanna). The economic impact of motherhood on adolescent girls is also echoed in other sources. Ogunjimi explains the financial problems faced by teenage mothers. For example, teenage mothers are not able to afford the daily expenses associated with the birth of a child (Ogunjimi). Ogunjimi). Furthermore, due to various factors, children of teenage mothers in most cases perform poorly in school and may grow up in financial difficulties (Ogunjimi). Apart from major problems, teenage mothers are unemployed, making it difficult to purchase the basic necessities needed to care for their infants and young children (Ogunjimi). However, being a teenage mother does not mean the end of life and they can be helped to overcome their difficulties. their financial difficulties. A 2013 Public Council report says pregnant teens or teen parents don't have enough money to pay for their baby's needs or medical care, although they can seek help (Public Council) . The Public Council mentions that pregnant teenagers whose parents can be helped to pay for their housing and standard of living by contacting CalFresh (Public Council). With CalFresh, teen parents can be helped complete their education, obtain health care for themselves and their babies, and other financial support (Public Council). Therefore, due to their economic instability, pregnant adolescents or their parents may end up living in poverty unless they are helped. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Teen pregnancy and parenthood have become high in the United States and the United Kingdom, and various issues revolve around teen parents and social policy in..