Number of young unmarried mothers soars

Seventy per cent of babies born to mothers aged under 20 years last year were born out of wedlock, official statistics show.

The rate in 1968 for the same category of women was just 11 per cent, it was disclosed at a news conference at Dar Guzeppa Debono, in Ghajnsielem, which was opened in 1985 to care for pregnant unmarried girls.

The home helps young women in their material and spiritual needs during the pregnancy and after childbirth.

Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono expressed appreciation at the commitment of the administration of the home in favour of young women and families who meet with difficulties because of early pregnancies.

Psychotherapist Laner Cassar said research showed that unmarried girls who become pregnant and who were not given the necessary psychological support would encounter serious difficulties that would also affect their children.

The administration of Dar Guzeppa Debono will be organising an international seminar entitled "Reaching out to young unmarried mothers" with the assistance of the European Union's Youth Progamme from Friday to September 14.

According to home director Maria Attard the aim of the seminar was to discuss an important reality in society which had not been given due attention for a long time because of social prejudice.

She said the home sought to educate young people to enable them to take responsible decisions and to make them more conscious of the implications of certain lifestyles.