Data Summary on Teenage Pregnancy in the Marshall Islands Jonathan James T. Santos, MPH

Teenage Pregnancy Data show that babies born to teenage mothers are more likely to be born prematurely and at Low Birth Weight Research also show that these babies are often at higher risk for Infant Death and Morbidity (medical conditions and developmental problems) Studies show that teenage mothers bear the greatest burden of pregnancy and childbearing Studies also show that teen pregnancy has far reaching effects to the development of both mothers and children Effects on both the child and the parents (e.g. economic, social, and health problems) will be covered in detail later in this presentation

RMI Ministry of Health Priority Areas High rates of reproductive morbidity High rates of maternal morbidity High fertility and low contraceptive prevalence rates High adolescent fertility Limited access to reproductive health services in the outer islands Weak information base on maternal and child health and other public health programs

Total Number of Registered Live Births, RMI

% of Teenage (<15 to 19) Pregnancies from Total Registered Live Births, Marshall Islands 1996-2001

Registered Live Births for Teenage Mothers (< 15 Years Old)

% of Low Birth Weight Babies, Marshall Islands 1996 to 2001

Complications for Teen Mothers (<15-19)

% of Teenage Live Births with Complications

Conclusion Health, social, and economic effects related to teenage pregnancy will be covered by Stephen When data is considered with other health, social, and economic information, it is clear that teen pregnancy has negative and far reaching effects on society and decreasing it will improve the lives of men and women and also future prospects of their children.