Nearly 50 per cent of Vincy women become pregnant as teens

Teenage girls in St Vincent and the Grenadines generally become pregnant for older men; and their mothers appear to approve or encourage this type of activity in order to supplement the household income.{{more}}

This is the finding of the 2007/2008 Country Poverty Assessment survey carried out by a national assessment team and a group of consultants.

The survey discovered that many of these girls who get pregnant are under the age of 15.

According to the report, evidence to support the claims came from discussions with principals and schools’ records.

The report revealed that information from the police indicates that sexual offences have become more prevalent, and victims being mainly children.

It added that mothers are prepared to protect stepfather abusers to protect their sources of income.

The survey also discovered that nearly 50 per cent (49.3 per cent) of mothers had their first birth between the ages of 15 and 19 years.

However, the percentage of women having their first birth during the teenage years has declined in comparison with ten years ago as their socio-economic status has improved.