From the Telegraph:
A study published by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation shows that girls as young as 13 see motherhood as preferable to working in a low-paid, dead-end job.
Far from the common assumption that teenage pregnancies result from irresponsibility or ignorance about contraception, some young girls actively choose to have a baby as a way to change their life and to gain independence and a new identity.
Posted by marybeth at July 16, 2006 01:57 PM NewsAnd having a child at 13 years of age is considered intelligent and responsible? d'oh! And how old were those that said it 'improved' their life? 14?
Posted by vw bug at July 16, 2006 02:59 PMNeither intelligent nor responsible, but possibly logical. They are simply comparing the immediate costs vs. the immediate benefits. If their home situation is bad and they don't feel that the schools are preparing them to succeed, then getting pregnant and gaining their independence (plus state support) is a rational decision.
It's not a logical decision when one compares the long term costs/benefits but I doubt the girls that are deciding to get pregnant are looking at anything beyond the here and now.
Posted by marybeth at July 16, 2006 07:29 PM