Fi We Children Foundation says teenage pregnancy particularly among girls aged 10-16 deeply concerning

Advocacy group, Fi We Children Foundation, has stressed that teenage pregnancy, particularly among girls aged 10 to 16, is deeply concerning, as no child should be placed in the position of motherhood.

The lobby group was responding to reports that approximately 102 babies were born to girls aged 10 to 16 at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital (VJH) in Kingston last year.

Consultant at VJH, Dr. Kaye Palmer Cole, made that disclosure to reporters last week when the crisis support charity handed over a cheque for $230,000 for the hospital’s teenage antenatal clinic breakfast program.

She welcomed the donation and noted that VJH saw over 1,000 teenage mothers in 2025.

In commenting on the number of births, Executive Founder of Fi We Children Foundation, Africka Stephens, expressed concern.

She noted that teenage pregnancy remains an issue, but acknowledged that there has been a steady decline in cases compared to previous years.

Ms. Stephens noted that sustained education, prevention and enforcement efforts are essential to maintaining this progress and safeguarding the nation’s children.

She said the Foundation’s response remains holistic by integrating sexual and reproductive health advocacy, structured parent intervention and training, and strengthened child care and protection systems to ensure accountability for older men who impregnate underage girls.