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Fewer teenage mothers in Germany
The number of teenage mothers in Germany is declining. photo
© Hannes P. Albert/dpa
When a teenager has a child, it is a big challenge. The number of teenage mothers is declining in Germany. There are a few reasons for this. But what is the situation in other countries?
The number of teenage mothers has declined significantly in recent decades – both nationally and internationally. Last year, In Germany, almost 11,000 babies were born to young mothers; in 2000 there were more than 29,000, according to the Federal Statistical Office in Wiesbaden. On average, there were currently 6 newborns per 1,000 women between the ages of 15 and 19; in 2000, this figure was still 13.
However, the number of female teenagers in this country is also declining: According to statistics, there were 2.25 million young women between the ages of 15 and 19 living in Germany at the beginning of the millennium, but in 2022 there were only 1.87 million. The Federal Office announced the figures on the occasion of World Day of the Girl on October 11th.
Better education and self-determination
“The falling numbers of teenage births have something to do with better information and the good availability of contraceptives,” says Martin Bujard from the Federal Institute for Population Research (BiB). In addition, young people now speak more openly with parents, teachers and doctors about questions of sexuality.
“Many young people today have a more enlightened and self-determined approach to sexuality,” says Regine Wlassitschau from the Federal Association of Pro Familia. Society is also more liberal and open to youth sexuality. “This will no longer be dismissed. And of course young people have a right to sexual experiences.”
In addition, prescription contraceptives are available free of charge in pharmacies for young people in this country with a prescription. The same applies to the morning-after pill, explains Wlassitschau. The expert also emphasizes that a distinction must be made between teenage births and teenage pregnancies. The number of pregnancies is significantly higher and abortions are often carried out.
Worse starting conditions than peers
“Teenage pregnancies are mostly unwanted pregnancies,” says Bujard. And: “When very young people have children, it is particularly drastic and can bring with it difficult challenges.” There is a lack of life experience and often economic security. In addition, relationships are generally more unstable. “That’s why the number of single parents is particularly high in this age group.”
Personal development opportunities are limited, adds Wlassitschau. “The earlier the young people become pregnant, the more serious the effects are because school or training has to be stopped or interrupted.” These are worse starting conditions than for people of the same age. “This is a responsibility that begins far too early.”
And what is the global situation? The Federal Statistical Office refers to data from the United Nations, according to which the global number has clearly declined over the past two decades. “While the global average was 64 newborns per 1,000 women aged 15 to 19 in 2000, the figure was 42 in 2021,” it said.
And: According to the United Nations, the absolute number of teenage births fell from 18.1 million to 12.8 million annually. There is therefore no international data available for 2022.
At the same time – in contrast to Germany – the number of female young people increased worldwide: from a good 280 million in 2000 to around 302 million in 2021.
Looking at the international data, large regional differences become clear: the relatively highest number of teenage births in 2021 were in Central Africa with 119 newborns per 1,000 female adolescents, as well as in West Africa (104). In Western Europe the average figure was 7 newborns.
Compared to Western countries, the proportion in the USA is relatively high at around 16 babies per 1,000 women between the ages of 15 and 19. “This has cultural and religious reasons, as parts of US society reject sex before marriage or abortions,” explains Bujard.