Underage Mothers: What Can Be Done?

We, members of ACISJF – IN VIA, gathered at the General Assembly in Fiuggi, Italy, from April 17 to 20, 2015, after analyzing the living conditions of underage and adolescent mothers, wish to draw the attention of public, private, ecclesiastical institutions, and global civil society to the fact that every day, 20,000 girls under the age of 18 give birth (according to the United Nations Global Report). This situation has profound psychological, physical, mental, and economic consequences for both the mothers and their babies.

For 118 years, ACISJF – IN VIA has been actively assisting young girls and women across various continents, providing support and guidance in diverse situations. Based on our extensive experience and the observed failure of signatory countries to uphold international conventions on the rights of children and women, the Association calls for action:

To Governments

Ensure that:

–        Traditions and various cultural practices respect the dignity and integrity of every young girl’s life.

–        Effective legislative measures are implemented to combat the forced prostitution of minors.

–        Real sanctions are applied to those who abuse, rape, or commit physical, psychological, and mental violence against minors.

–        Every child born to an underage or adolescent mother has the right to a free birth certificate, regardless of the mother’s circumstances, ensuring full citizenship.

–        Every mother has the right to appeal to the law to hold fathers accountable.

–        Young mothers are allowed to continue their education and are not excluded from public institutions due to motherhood.

–       Young mothers have access to healthcare services and psychological support without discrimination or prejudice.

–        The family, as the foundational unit of society, regains its role in educating, protecting, and securing individuals, especially children.

To Civil Society

–        Establish necessary structures (help and listening centers) to provide a safe space for minors to express themselves with confidence.

–        Take measures against all discriminatory practices.

–        Denounce any violation of rights, violence, or sexual abuse against adolescents.

–        Support expectant mothers with quality assistance to prevent premature deaths.

–        Ensure the social protection of underage mothers and their children.

–        Facilitate platforms or networks for young people to exchange experiences.hanger entre eux.

To Educational Institutions

–        Respect underage and adolescent mothers, allowing them to continue their education without exclusion.

–        Provide access to information and sexual education, considering the maturity of the students.

–        Educate students to respect themselves and the will of others.

–        Listen to and consider the lived experiences of young people, guiding them towards mature and responsible sexuality.

To the Church

–        Include underage and adolescent mothers in family pastoral care.

–        Be attentive to the realities and life aspirations of young people.

–        Integrate education on life and love into catechesis.

To ACISJF – IN VIA

–        Raise awareness among leaders about the situations faced by these young mothers.

–        Be attentive to their needs.

–        Ensure responsible bodies implement measures to inform, support, and offer new opportunities to young mothers.

–        Collaborate with other organizations committed to preventing underage pregnancies and supporting young mothers.

–        Advocate to decision-makers and international bodies for the enforcement of laws and conventions against violence towards girls.