{
  "id": 4948042,
  "title": "Teen births at lowest in over 20 years; safe, judgment-free environment key to seeking help: Experts",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/teen-births-at-lowest-in-over-20-years-safe-judgment-free-environment-4948042",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-09-01T22:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "CNA - Singapore",
    "slug": "cna-singapore",
    "url": "https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/teenage-births-lowest-young-mothers-babies-6331786"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In 2025, Singapore saw a record low of 140 teenage births, marking a dramatic 40% decrease from the 244 recorded in 2024, according to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Ms Jannyce Lim, a 19-year-old mother, faced challenges such as postpartum depression and lack of support from her student husband. Her mother stepped in to help, providing emotional and financial support. Experts emphasize that a supportive environment, including access to contraception and timely care, is crucial for teenage mothers. Dr Cassandra Cheong, a doctor at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, notes that teenage pregnancies often coincide with mental health issues, unstable relationships, and school disengagement, complicating the search for support. Improving access to contraception, early identification of at-risk individuals, and dedicated post-delivery counselling are key. Preventing teenage pregnancy requires a collaborative effort from healthcare, education, social services, and community sectors.",
  "summary": "There were 140 teenage births in 2025, down by more than 40 per cent from 244 in 2024.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Teen births at lowest in over 20 years; safe, judgment-free environment key to seeking help: Experts",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/teen-births-at-lowest-in-over-20-years-safe-judgment-free-environment",
        "published": "2026-09-01T22:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}