Frightening Facts

• Medical complications associated with adolescent pregnancy include poor maternal weight gain, anemia and pregnancy-induced hypertension.
• Poverty, lack of education, and inadequate family support account for the majority of negative health outcomes.
• Lack of education among young mothers has been linked to repeat births in adolescents, increased dependence on government support, increased infant mortality, low birth weight, premature births and developmental disabilities.
• Saint John has one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in Canada (50 per cent higher than the provincial average).
• Young mothers and their children are at great risk of poverty, illness and abuse.
• Young mothers are unlikely to finish high school and have ongoing coping and life skill challenges.
• The personal safety and security of young mothers and their children are in serious jeopardy.
• High dependence rate on social supports will continue if there is no intervention.

Counteracting the Facts and Breaking the Cycle of Poverty

• Studies show improved outcomes for young mothers and their children result when there is support with early child care allowing young mothers to finish school and reach educational and employment aspirations.
• Under one roof, mothers and their children will gain the support and skills needed to lead a life of self-sufficiency and independence through staff, community mentors and peer support.
• Young mothers will be linked to supports and services offered outside of First Steps to further develop their parenting skills, personal development and education.
• The social benefits of these skills for mother and child include better physical and mental health, higher education levels, greater employability, and less likelihood of criminal activity.