Oral presentation: Rosita Woodly-Sobhie

Adolescent pregnancy and early motherhood (AP&EM) remain persistent public health and development challenges across the Caribbean, with disproportionate impacts on vulnerable and rural populations. This study presents a comprehensive socio-economic impact assessment of AP&EM in Suriname , Curacao, and Belize using the MILENA methodology, a standardized UNFPA framework applied across LA&C. Drawing on nationally representative data from both countries the analysis quantifies the opportunity costs of early childbearing across five dimensions: labour market participation, labour income, educational attainment, health outcomes, and fiscal losses.

Findings show that about 40% of women who have ever given birth in Suriname and Belize had their first birth before age 20. These adolescent mothers have significantly lower educational attainment than 25% of women who delayed childbearing. Labor force participation is low, and on average they are 15% more likely to be economically inactive. Income disparities persist across all employment sectors, with adolescent mothers concentrated in the lowest income brackets. Health risks, such as deliverycomplications and maternal morbidity, further compound the socioeconomic burden.

The estimated socio-economic cost of AP&EM in Belize and Suriname ranges from USD 20 to 40 million annually, equivalent to 1-2% of national GDP. These losses stem from reduced productivity, foregone earnings, increased health expenditures, and diminished tax revenues. This study provides critical evidence for Dutch Caribbean and broader regional policymakers, demonstrating that preventing adolescent pregnancy is not only a human rights imperative but also a strategic investment in economic development, gender equality, and intergenerational well-being.