Motherhood Sans Adulthood: Future at Stake

Abstract

The rising number of teenage mothers, especially in rural areas, has become a cause for concern in Meghalaya. Young parents are unable to take up the responsibility that comes with parenthood and this leads to several undesirable socio-emotional outcomes. A study was planned and conducted in Meghalaya to understand the causes and consequences of teenage motherhood. In depth interviews with identified respondents were carried out. The data was collected with the help of a semi-structured interview schedule and qualitative analysis was done. This paper highlights the understanding developed on the issue of teenage motherhood in the context of Meghalaya. Culturally teenage motherhood has not been perceived as a major problem by the respondents. The long term negative effects of early motherhood for the mother as well as the child are well documented.