The growing problem of teenage mothers
By Aanya Wipulasena-Sunday, September 15, 2013- Poverty, alcoholism, unstable families and lack of proper sex education; the main reasons, say health officials
- Pregnancies due to rape, incest on the rise
It’s an inconvenient truth–but the increasing number of teenage pregnancies is a troubling concern for both state authorities as well as social workers. Among the reported cases this year, girls as young as 11-years of age have become pregnant, falling victim to abuse and in many cases, incest.
According to Family Health Bureau (FHB) statistics, on average, 20,000 females below the age of 20 become pregnant each year. Experts in the area say the main reasons are poverty, alcoholism, unstable family relationships and lack of proper sex education.
Dr. Manjula Danansuriya
Bianca Abeygoonawardena
Younger the mothers, greater the risks
