| Abstract: | Although the UK has the highest levels of teenage pregnancyin Western Europe, and while adolescent mothering has receivedconsiderable recent attention from researchers, there is a paucityof research literature about the particular experiences of youngwomen who become mothers in or following local authority care.Findings from our empirical study reveal the significance ofrisk and vulnerability faced by a group of fifty-five youngmothers following their exit from care. This paper exploresthe impact of risk and vulnerability and also highlights thatalthough pregnancy may not be a planned activity, young womendemonstrate choice and rationality in their decision to becomemothers. |
