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Teenage Pregnancy Experiences in Davao City

The study explores the lived experiences of three teenage mothers in Davao City, Philippines, highlighting the negative impacts of teenage pregnancy, including strained family relationships, physical abuse, and challenges in continuing education. While the participants generally viewed teenage pregnancy unfavorably, one expressed a positive perspective, seeing her child as a gift from God. The findings aim to raise awareness among teenagers about the consequences of early pregnancy and the responsibilities of motherhood.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
14 views15 pages

Teenage Pregnancy Experiences in Davao City

The study explores the lived experiences of three teenage mothers in Davao City, Philippines, highlighting the negative impacts of teenage pregnancy, including strained family relationships, physical abuse, and challenges in continuing education. While the participants generally viewed teenage pregnancy unfavorably, one expressed a positive perspective, seeing her child as a gift from God. The findings aim to raise awareness among teenagers about the consequences of early pregnancy and the responsibilities of motherhood.

Uploaded by

Shellanie Efe
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

UIC Research Journal ACCOUNTANCY AND BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Print ISSN 1656-0604


Vol. 21 No. 2 October 2015 Online ISSN 2244-6532

Teenage Pregnancy: A Phenomenological Case Study

Emma V. Sagarino1 and Gelsa S. Gelacio


University of the Immaculate Conception
Davao City, Philippines
1Corresponding author’s email address: esagarino@[Link]

ABSTRACT

Philippines is among the top 10 countries with increasing number of teenage


pregnancy. To date, there are 3.6 million young mothers in the country; most
of them are below 19 years old. Teenage pregnancy has been listed as one of the
social determinants of health under human and social development of Davao
City. Due to this alarming fact, this study that aimed to describe and understand
the lived experiences of teenagers that went through pregnancy outside marriage
was conducted. This phenomenological study covered three conversation partners
(CP) who were purposively chosen from two higher education institutions in
Davao City. Thematic-emergent approach was used in analyzing information.
Effects of teenage pregnancy included broken relationship with family members,
physical abuse, planned abortion, delay and added sacrifice to proceed with
schooling, mother and child relationship is not being nourished, and loss
of freedom to hang-out with friends. It could be noted, however, although
premarital sex runs contrary to the teachings of the church, two CPs claimed to
have encountered God in a deeper manner during the pregnancy. More so, CPs
have realized that motherhood at teenage is not easy. Their priorities in life had
also evolved; the welfare of their kid has become their primary consideration in
the pursuits of their dreams.

KEYWORDS: Teenage pregnancy, lived experiences, realizations, Davao City,


Philippines

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INTRODUCTION

Pregnancy is the major life transition requiring changes, challenges and


adaptations of many kinds. Parenthood’s continuous demands and responsibilities
leave very little or no time for most teens’ concerns such as academics and career
choices. Apparently, becoming a parent, at any age, can be a life-changing
experience. In the global setting, United States has the highest teenage birthrate,
but until 2009, there has been a declining trend in teenage pregnancy number
especially since the early nineties. The most salient consequences of teenage are
school drop-out or interrupted education, school advancement difficulties for
teen-mother as well as repeat pregnancies. In 2000 the total number of teen
pregnancies in the United States was 821,081 (84 pregnancies per 1000 people).
Compare this with Canada whose total rate of teen pregnancies for 2000 was
38,600 (38 pregnancies per 1000 people). Many other Western Industrialized
countries such as Sweden and France have even lower teen pregnancies rate than
Canada while compared to other countries, it is to understand why the United
States is considered to have a serious problem when it comes to teen pregnancy
(Coley & Lansdale, 2009).
According to the studies conducted by World Bank, the Philippines is
among the top 10 countries where there is an increasing number of teenage
pregnancy. Seven out of 10 Filipina mothers are adolescents; most of them are
below 19 years old. There are 3.6 million young mothers in the Philippines to
date. While there is a prevalence of pregnancy among teens, it is still intensely
unaccepted by the society – especially the parents. Because of this reason as well
as their youth, adolescent mothers-to-be are more prone to stress. They suffer
both physical and emotional pains, and at the same time had been forced to
drop-out from school (Sembrano, 2011).
In Davao City, teenage pregnancy is increasing, according to the City-
wide Investment Plan for Health (CIPH) 2012-2016, which covers the city’s
comprehensive health situational analysis. The report stated that teenage
pregnancy recorded about 12 percent in 2007, 12.2 percent in 2008,12.4 in
2009, and to 13.4 percent in 2010. Teenage pregnancy, in fact, is listed as one of
the social determinants for health under human and social development of Davao
City. Social determinants for health is defined as those critical characteristics of
societies and communities in which people live that have an impact on their
health such as level of education, water and sanitation, housing employment
food production (Sunstar Davao, 2013).
The alarming rate of teenage pregnancy around the world has prompted the

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researchers to document the experiences of selected teenagers who went through


the arduous journey of giving birth and becoming a mother at a young age.
Through the findings of the study, it is hoped that teenagers especially the females
will be convinced to be certain in their decision to avoid circumstances that might
lead to early pregnancy. Likewise, results may give caution to teenagers on the
possible downside of enduring pregnancy at a young age as well as accomplishing
the role of a parent while one pursues an undergraduate degree.

The Feminist Theory of Friedan and Dworkin (1963) which focused


on the women’s sexuality, reproduction and social consequences of living in a
patriarchal culture supports the foundation of this investigation. As it is being
observed, the consequence of teenage pregnancy usually boils down to the female
victim. It is the female who would usually face a lot of issues—stigma, temporary
opportunity loss, undue pressure brought about by premature motherhood, loss
of self-esteem, insecurity and many more.

Purpose of the Study. The purpose of this phenomenological case study is


to describe and understand the lived experiences of individuals who went through
teenage pregnancy. Specifically, it aimed to find out the 1) study participants’
views about their teenage pregnancy; 2) effects of teenage pregnancy and young
motherhood role in the participants’ lives; and 3) lessons they have realized from
their experiences.

METHOD

This study utilized a blend of qualitative research design – a phenomenological


case study. Phenomenological is appropriate in the sense that there is still
peculiarity in teenage pregnancy even in the 21st century. Also, the essence of
the early pregnancy experience was drawn through this study. Thus, in-depth
interviews were conducted to elicit the thoughts and views of the selected study
participants as regard to their experiences brought about by their early pregnancy
and as young mothers.
We conducted this study in Davao City. Davao City is located in the
southeastern part of Mindanao, Philippines. The city is home to various colleges
and universities in which our prospective study participants are currently enrolled
with. In particular, the study participants came from two schools—University
of the Immaculate Conception, and Holy Cross of Davao College. These two

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schools are both catholic institutions which have been founded by the Religious
of the Virgin Mary (RVM).
The conversation partners (CP) included three females who have experienced
being pregnant during their teenage years. They should have been enrolled for
the first semester of School Year 2014-2015 at any college or university in Davao
City. A snowball sampling approach was used in prospecting them.
In drawing out the information, we conducted a series of in-depth interviews
with the aid of guide questions. Series of interviews with each conversation
partner was anticipated to exhaust their thoughts about teenage pregnancy and
young motherhood.
In doing this study, we assumed the role of an interviewer-observer. During
the interview, we facilitated the discussion and at the same time interacted with
the conversation partners.
To establish the trustworthiness of a qualitative study, Merriam (2009)
devised these procedures: triangulation, or multiple sources of data as evidence;
member checks, or arranging for those who provided data to evaluate the
conclusions; saturation, or continuous data collection; peer review, or consultation
with experts; audit trail, or the detailed record of data collection and rationale
for important decisions; and thick description, or providing rich detail of the
context of the study. Moreso, according to Lincoln and Guba (1985), qualitative
researchers have agreed that trustworthiness is evidenced by these aspects:
transferability, dependability, confirmability and credibility.
Thus, conforming to the suggestions of Merriam (2009) and Lincoln
and Guba (1985), the following procedures were observed in the conduct of
this study. In order to establish the transferability character, sufficient thick
descriptions of information was provided to allow readers to decide if results are
applicable to other fields. Audit trails and triangulation was made as foundation
of the dependability of the study. For the audit trail, important responses of
each CP were represented by a code to facilitate easy path for verification. More
so, triangulation, which is comprised of the conduct of in-depth interviews and
individual reply in writing to preliminary questions, was made. The dependability
of the study was established further through the exhaustion of information made
possible through the conduct of series of interviews with each of the CPs.
Moreover, for the confirmability aspect, each interview proceeding was audio
taped supplemented with written field notes. The tape recorded information was
transcribed as basis for data analysis. All the pertinent records gathered in the
course of the study will be kept and preserved for possible inspection by any
interested party. Further, the credibility of the findings was ensured through the

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proper documentation of the narrated stories of the CPs. The validity of the
collated data, its analysis and subsequent conclusions were established through
the validation of the conversation partners themselves.
The most basic issue under ethical consideration that we will observe is the
respect to the point of views, opinions and perceptions of the CPs either verbalized
or not. We will also respect the language that the CPs will use. Moreover, we
asked them questions using the most understandable terms and then we asked
follow up questions to clarify vague information. We properly documented the
proceedings of the interviews by using electronic recording device so as not to
miss any words expressed by the CP.
Further, we observed anonymity and secrecy by not requiring the conversation
partners to share their names and other personal data. Indeed, during the in-
depth interview, we just listened to their responses. To uphold confidentiality,
intentionally we did not also mention in the manuscript any information that
will trace to the identity of the study participants. Consequently, we secured
an informed consent (Appendix B) from each CP prior to the conduct of the
interviews. Before each CP affixed their signature in the informed consent form,
we made sure that they have understood the purpose of the study and that they
are aware of their right to back-out anytime as study participant.
The thematic-emergent approach was used in the analysis of information.
The transcribed in-depth interview proceedings were codified and categorized to
draw out themes that could represent each of the categorized information.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

A. Views on Teenage Pregnancy

Generally, the conversation partners regard teenage pregnancy negatively


except for CP3. According to them teenage pregnancy is not favorable in the
sense that the role of being a mother is not easy. More so, they have to sacrifice a
lot for the child like watching over them while preparing for school requirements
and that they could no longer enjoy the freedom they used to have prior to the
pregnancy.
The view of CP3 on early pregnancy is striking as she considers it as an
instrument for them to have a gift from God in the form of a baby. Accordingly
she said “I don’t have any regrets at all, the baby is a gift from God that we need

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to cherish and accept.” This positive thought about this experience is actually
influenced by her mom saying that “the baby is a blessing carrier towards us.”
It is indeed amazing to hear such declaration from a parent whose young child
went through an extraordinary experience of bearing a child at a young age of 17.

Matrix A. Views on teenage pregnancy

Narratives Code Theme

CP3
I don’t have any regret at all, the baby is a Blessing or a gift Teenage pregnancy
gift from God that should be accepted and is an overture of
cherished. receiving God’s
The baby is a blessing carrier towards us. gift—the baby.

CP1 and CP2


Teenage pregnancy is not favorable in the Negative effect Teenage pregnancy
sense that the role of being a mother is not results to negative
easy. effects—loss of
They have to sacrifice a lot for their child freedom, being
like watching over them while preparing for a mother at a
school requirements. young age is more
difficult, it makes
They could no longer enjoy the freedom
schooling even
they used to have prior to the pregnancy.
harder.

B. Effects of Teenage Pregnancy and Motherhood

Seven themes which represent the effects of teenage pregnancy and


motherly role were derived and categorized from the transcribed materials. This
information was elicited from the conversation partners through a two round
in-depth interviews.

Broken relationship with family members – parents and sibling. The initial
reaction of parents when they would learn that their teenage daughter is pregnant
is to detach themselves from the reality. Specifically, they would often not
converse with the child for a while as their way of sending a message that they do
not accept the situation.
CP1 had really observed the change in the treatment of her father to her

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because of disappointment – (nabugnaw ang tinagdan ni papa – my father is no


longer that warm towards me). For CP2, it took one month before her mother
made conversations with her – (“Mao to wala ko gitingugan sa akong mama for
one month – because of the incident my mother did not talk to me for a month).
According to her, this scenario made it even more difficult for her to cope with
the situation as she has no one to share her thoughts to. The older brother of CP3
was not able to immediately accept the situation, thus, he refrained himself from
talking with them (younger sister and the boyfriend).

Physical Abuse. CP 1 had revealed that when her father learned about her
pregnancy, he pointed a gun to her and because of fear, she was forced to stay
overnight with her uncle’s family that day. She also added that her boyfriend had
abused her physically by hitting her every time they have misunderstandings.
The saddest incident was when the boyfriend pointed a knife at her because of
jealousy. These incidents of abuse from her boyfriend prompted her to go back
to her own family.

Planned Abortion. Abortion is often being considered when a teenager is


impregnated as the family would want to protect their name from humiliation.
The mother of CP1 wanted the child to be aborted, however, one of her uncles
opposed with the idea with the reason that the child is innocent, thus, she/
he should be given the chance to live. CP2 personally considered the idea of
aborting her child, as she does not know what to do when she learned that she
was pregnant. Moreover, she was aware of the reality that she could not provide
for the needs of the child.
Studies show that the idea of abortion among teens is influenced by their
relationship with their parents, access to family planning services and behavior of
their peers (Lowen, 2010). Further, about 75% of the parents (US survey) who
knew about the pregnancy had been told by the daughter herself, and the great
majority supported their daughter’s decision to have an abortion (Henshaw and
Kost ,1992).

Delay and Added Sacrifice to Proceed with Schooling. The three conversation
partners have really recognized the adverse effect of teenage pregnancy to their
schooling. CP1 learned that she was pregnant when she was only 14 years old
and that was when she was in third year high school. She had to stop schooling
because of humiliation, and because she also chose to live with her boyfriend.
CP2 was also 14 years old when she was impregnated but she was only

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second year high school then. However, she was able to complete her sophomore
year, as they did not inform the school officials that she was pregnant for her baby
bump was not yet that obvious – three months old as of the end of school year.
Apparently, the pregnancy did not hinder her to proceed with her studies, but
the incident did require her to sacrifice more (six month pregnant) by attending
Sunday classes instead of the regular school days of Monday through Friday. When
she gave birth, she realized that having a child to watch over makes studying even
more difficult – “maglibog ko unsa ang unahon, mag-study o magbantay as akong
anak” (what shall I prioritize study my lessons or watch-over my child).
CP3 on other hand had to stop schooling when she got pregnant at the age
of 17 as being pregnant outside marriage was against the policy of the school. So
because of the teenage pregnancy she is still in third year college at the age of 24.
Previous studies have noted that pregnant and parenting teens are being
confronted with challenges in attaining their educational goals. About 70%
of teenage girls in the US are forced to leave school and accordingly illegal
discrimination is the primary factor of the high dropout rate. In many cases,
pregnant students are informed outright that they cannot stay because of morality
issues (ACLU, 2002).

Mother and Child Relationship is not being Nourished. Two conversation


partners had revealed that their children are even closer to their grandmother
than them. In the case of CP1, her child treats her as older sister as she calls her
“ate”. It is the grandmother whom the five year old child considers as her mother.
Although, CP1 claims that the child knows that she is the real mother. However,
because of the physical separation as she lives in Davao City for schooling
purposes while her daughter lives with her family in the province, no mother and
daughter relationship is being nourished.
A similar fear is being felt by CP3 as her child lives with her parents. She
is imagining the scenario that when the right time comes when she and her
boyfriend, the father of her child will be responsible enough to take care of the
child, and the child would choose to stay with the grandparents.

Loss of Freedom to Hang-out with Friends. CP2 expressed that she was
relatively freer to hang-out with friends prior to her pregnancy and motherhood.
According to her, she has to consider who will take care of her child if she hangs
out with friends. The sense of being responsible by even just watching over the
child is evident to her as manifested in this statement: “Lahi ra gyud ang walay
anak kay free ka mag-laag, karon kay naa nakay huna-hunaon nga anak” – it is

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really better if you don’t have a child yet as you are free to go anytime you want
without thinking that someone (child) must be watched over.

A Closer Relationship with God. A positive effect in the religious aspect is


noteworthy among the CPs. They claimed that the experience deepened their
relationship with God. According to CP1 – “hindi ako nawalan ng pag-asa na
tutulungan ako ng Dios” (I did not lose hope that the Lord will help me overcome
the situation). CP2 had also shared – “my communication with God during that
time was very frequent as I wanted to talk to Him every minute for the safety of
my baby and of course for my health as well.” CP3 also did the same thing, like
always praying and going to church with the family.

Matrix B. Effects of teenage pregnancy

Narratives Code Theme

CP1
Nabugnaw ang tinagdan ni papa (my Family Broken
father is no longer that warm towards me) relationships Relationship with
CP2 family members-
Mao to wala ko gitingugan sa akoang Parents, and
mama for one month (because of the Sibling
incident my mother did not talked to me
for a month)
CP3
Was not able to immediately accept the
situation.
CP1
Her father pointed a gun at her Physical abuse Physical Abuses
Her boyfriend had abused her physically are extensive
by hitting her every time they have among young
misunderstanding. partners
Her boyfriend also pointed her with a
knife because of jealousy.

CP1
Her mother wanted the child to be abortion Teenage pregnancy
aborted, however one of her uncles could lead to
opposed with the idea with the reason planned abortion
that the child is innocent.

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CP2
Personally considered the idea of aborting
her child, as she does not know what
to do when she learned that she was
pregnant

CP1
He had to stop schooling because of schooling Delay and
humiliation, and because she also chose added sacrifice
to live with her boyfriend. to proceed with
CP2 schooling
Mag libog ko unsa ang unahon, mag
study o mag bantay sa akong anak (what
shall I prioritize, study my lesson or
watch over my child).
CP3
Had to stop schooling when she got
pregnant at the age of 17 as it was against
the policy of the school.

CP1
Her child treats her as older sister as she Mother and child Mother and Child
calls her “ate”. relationship Relationship is not
CP3 being nourished
A physical separation as she lives in
Davao city for schooling purposes while
her daughter lives with her family in
the province, no mother and daughter
relationship is being nourish.

CP2
Lahi ra gyud ang walay anak kay free ka Freedom Loss of freedom
mag-laag, karon kay naa nakay huna- to hang-out with
hunaon nga anak- it is really better if you friends
don’t have a child as you are free to go
anytime you want without thinking that
someone (child) must be watched over.

CP1
Hindi ako nawalan ng pag-asa na Relationship with This form of trial
tutulungan ako ng Dios (I did not lose God could lead to a
hope that the lord will help me overcome closer relationship
the situation) with God

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CP2
My communication with God during
that time was very frequent as I wanted
to talk to him every minute for the safety
of my baby and of course for my health
as well.
CP3
Always praying and going to church with
the family

C. Realizations Drawn from the Experience

Motherhood/Parenthood at Teenage Years is not Easy. CP1 realized that it is


very difficult to bear a child at a young age, more so of becoming a mother as
young as 14 years old. According to her, starting a new life then was not easy –
one is confronted with decisions as to what to prioritize, her own dreams or her
responsibility towards the child.
CP2 would like to share their experiences as young parents to their own
daughter when the latter is mature enough to comprehend the story. She would
like to emphasize the hardships that the young father has to go through as a
worker just to be able to support the needs of the child.
The incapacity to provide for the needs of the child as a result of being
undergraduate is the struggle of CP3. She had realized that financial constraints
made parenthood even more difficult.

The Need to Avoid Temptations of Engaging in Sex at Teenage. CP1 had realized
that one must avoid temptations in engaging into sex to avoid being impregnated
at a young age. CP2 also added that individuals involved in a relationship with
the opposite sex at a young age must be vigilant at all times to avoid temptations
of engaging in sex as she had expressed – “dapat dili gyud mag-tinanga” (she
should be certain to refuse engaging in sex).

Inclusive Motivation to Finish Schooling to Earn a Living. Prior to the


pregnancy, conversation partners had individualistic motivation to finish
schooling. Now that they already have their own children, their responsibility
towards their children serve as inspiration to do well in school for seamless
completion of their college course. They unanimously expressed that they need
to prove that they could become responsible parents by finishing their school and

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consequently earn a living in order to provide for the schooling of their children
in the near future. Thus, each conversation partner now possess the sense of self-
giving from a self-serving goal to an inclusive drive to pursue a dream beneficial
not only for herself but also for her child.

Matrix C. Realizations drawn from the experience

Narratives Code Theme

CP1
Had realized that it is very difficult to bear a Parenthood Parenthood at
child at a young age. Teenage is not easy
Starting a new life is not easy.
Confronted with decisions as to what to
prioritize, her own dreams or her responsibility
towards the child
CP2
“Gusto nako isulti ang akong mga kaagi sa akong
anak para dili niya maagian ang tanang kalisod
nga na experience sa iyang papa karon” (I want
to share this trial to our daughter so that she
will not go through the same level of difficulty
her father had experienced as a young worker.
CP3
Incapacity to provide for the needs of the child
as a result of being [Link]
incapacity made parenthood even more
difficult.

CP1
One must avoid temptations in engaging into Self-denial The need to avoid
sex to avoid being impregnated at a young age. temptations of
CP2 engaging in sex at
Dapat dili jud mag-tinanga (she should be alert teenage.
to refuse engaging in sex.)

CP1, CP2, and CP3


They unanimously expressed that they need motivation Inclusive
to prove that they could become responsible motivation to
parents by finishing their school and finish schooling to
consequently earn a living in order to provide earn a living
for the schooling of their children in the
future.

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Gender roles and societal expectations play a significant role in shaping the lived experiences of teenage mothers. The study highlights that societal expectations often place undue pressure on young women by perpetuating stigmatization and imposing traditional patriarchal values. Teenage mothers often face criticism, isolation, and lack of support, as experienced by CP1, who had to cease schooling due to societal shame . Such expectations dictate moral standards primarily for females, undermining their autonomy and increasing the burdens they face when navigating early motherhood .

Teenage pregnancy profoundly shifts a young mother's priorities, with child welfare becoming predominant in their life aspirations. CP1 realized that her life goals had to accommodate her child’s needs, changing her career plans accordingly . CP2 also echoed this shift in priorities during her pregnancy, as caring for her child became necessary over personal or academic pursuits, even as she struggled with schooling decisions . Such examples illustrate how motherhood at a young age imposes immediate responsibility, altering aspirations from personal success to ensuring child welfare and security .

Teenage pregnancy significantly impacts educational attainment by causing interruptions or complete cessation of schooling due to societal pressures and institutional policies. For instance, CP1 had to stop schooling due to humiliation and the choice to live with her boyfriend . CP3 similarly had to leave school because her institution did not allow pregnant students . To mitigate these effects, interventions such as introducing flexible education options and enforcing rights that protect pregnant students from discrimination are suggested .

Teenage pregnancy can result in psychological trauma from both physical and emotional abuse. CP1 experienced severe abuse, including threats with a weapon from her father and physical abuse from her boyfriend, leading her to fear for her safety and seek refuge with relatives . Such experiences contribute to significant emotional distress and heightened stress levels, illustrating the broader implications of familial and partner violence as responses to teenage pregnancy .

The narratives of conversation partners reveal significant internal conflicts arising from balancing motherhood and personal aspirations. CP2 illustrates this by expressing difficulty in prioritizing her studies over childcare . Similarly, CP3, who had to stop schooling due to policies against pregnant students, faces the challenge of delayed personal and educational growth . These stories show the continuous tug-of-war between teenage mothers' personal goals and their immediate responsibilities as parents.

Teenage pregnancy often leads to considering an abortion due to the stigma and practical challenges. CP1's mother initially wanted the pregnancy terminated to avoid familial humiliation, though CP1's uncle opposed due to moral beliefs . Such decisions are influenced by family dynamics, where preserving family reputation is a priority, and societal expectations that pressure young mothers toward ends that align with societal norms, such as not having children outside marriage .

Societal perceptions profoundly impact the self-esteem and societal value of young mothers, as they often face stigma and are viewed as failures by their communities. This societal shaming can lead to loss of self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy, as seen with CP2, who endured isolation and lack of familial support . The perception of teenage pregnancy as a moral failing rather than a societal responsibility exacerbates these negative self-perceptions, thereby diminishing young mothers' sense of belonging and value within their communities .

Societal policies and educational institutions often exacerbate challenges for pregnant teenagers in continuing their education by implementing exclusionary practices and failing to offer supportive resources. For instance, CP3 had to stop schooling as her institution's policy did not permit attendance for pregnant students, emphasizing moral judgment over supportive academic structures . This systemic dismissal impacts educational achievement negatively, curbing young mothers' ability to secure a future for themselves and their children .

Teenage pregnancy often leads to strained familial relationships as it is socially stigmatized. For example, CP2 faced a month-long silence from her mother, reflecting the family dynamics shift . CP3's brother initially rejected her situation, showing broader societal attitudes towards teenage pregnancy as a source of shame and disappointment . These reactions highlight the societal pressure for adherence to traditional family structures and moral expectations regarding premarital pregnancy.

Early teenage motherhood often prompts a deepened spirituality or relationship with religious beliefs as young mothers seek comfort and guidance. CP1 reported a stronger connection with God, maintaining hope for divine assistance through her difficulties . CP2 also expressed increased communication with God, concerned with her baby's and her health . These accounts suggest that the trials of teenage pregnancy can enhance spiritual reliance, providing emotional support and a sense of peace during turbulent times .

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