Adolescent pregnancy: the experiences in the English-speaking Caribbean

Teenage pregnancy poses a serious problem in the English-speaking Caribbean. But for years, against the backdrop and perspectives of an earlier, less sophisticated era, it was not recognised as such. Even as late as the 1960s, adult roles and responsibilities came early to most Caribbean youths. With these, very naturally, came early parenthood. Society expected and incorporated teenage pregnancy into its regular cycle of living. It caused no undue concern. The Caribbean has changed though. Today's Caribbean, and indeed the world, demands more of its citizens than it did in those earlier times. Most of these territories, having discarded their former colonial status in favor of independence, are now engaged in a difficult struggle towards industrial and economic self reliance