Adolescents who become pregnant prior to completion of their education typically face expulsion from school, and those who give birth often are not readmitted. In many African societies for example, once a young woman has given birth she is regarded as an adult, a role that is generally perceived as incompatible with continued formal educa- tion. In the event that a young woman is forced to abandon her education due to early pregnancy, she likely faces curtailment of her social, intellectual and economic develop- ment. Successful reproductive health programs consider the distinct characteristics and needs of the client population. Given both adolescent traits and the special reproductive health issues facing sexually active adolescents as described.
