Mum! Me?

Early motherhood poses enormous challenges for the girls affected both emotionally and socially as well as economically. This is especially true because teenage mothers are preoccupied with their own development while raising children. In addition pregnancy causes physical changes and the search for identity becomes more complex. The social environment and educational and career opportunities for self-fulfilment also change. Alternatives to starting a family must be made available to pregnant minors and it must be clarified whether they have sufficient personal resources for a future life with a child and whether a comprehensive support system can be provided. In order to meet these challenges in the best possible way it is important to establish tailor-made institutional and financial support services and networks for the target group of teenage mothers so as to offer them the opportunity to lead independent lives and reconcile family and educational or professional prospects.