etween 14 and 15 million adolescent girls aged 15-19 give birth each year, accounting for more than ten per cent of births worldwide. For some young mothers this is a happy event; they are well supported and they give birth to a healthy daughter or son. But for millions, the pregnancy was unplanned, the birth is too early and the experience is one of fear and pain. Adolescent girls face health risks during pregnancy and childbirth accounting for 15% of the Global Burden of Disease for maternal conditions and 13% of all maternal deaths. Adolescent mothers aged 15-19 are more likely than older mothers to die in childbirth, while very young mothers aged 14 and under are at highest risk. A WHO review of adolescent pregnancy says that age alone may not be the cause--education, social status and use of health facilities are all contributing factors. It is also difficult to separate risks related to age and the extra risks related to a first pregnancy. However, adolescent mothers are both young and mostly first time mothers. Many have dropped out of school, have low social status and do not access health services. For every young woman who dies in childbirth, 30-50 others are left with an injury, infection or disease. Young mothers are more likely to have low birth-weight babies, at risk of malnourishment, poor development or death. Infant and child mortality is highest amongst children of adolescent mothers. Girls who give birth miss schooling and opportunities for employment. There is a risk of the cycle repeating itself. (excerpt) -