Adolescent Childbearing and Upward Mobility in Mexico

American society often views the children of teenage mothers as doomed to failure. New York City recently launched a billboard campaign aimed at reducing teenage pregnancy rates in the city. The billboards portray tearful children with captions like, “Honestly mom… chances are he won’t stay with you. What happens to me?” Another features the message, “I’m twice as likely not to graduate high school because you had me as a teen.” Through informal conversations, I found this sentiment in certain sectors of Mexico as well. Concern over teen pregnancy rates in Mexico can be seen in the literature, news, and in the presence of teen pregnancy prevention programs.