Why teenage motherhood may be good

Lowri Turner: being a working single mum can be tough

Being a single teenage mum may not be the disaster many people assume, according to new research.

In fact, becoming a mum may actually spur some teenage girls on to getting educational qualifications and a job, according to a new study by the Royal College of GPs.

This morning, Breakfast asks: can motherhood be good for teenagers? Join our debate at 0840

We'll talk to Maureen Baker, from the Royal College of GPs - and TV personality Lowri Turner, who's also a single mother.

And, we want to hear what you think:

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Becoming a single mum gave many teenage girls more confidence, according to the Royal College of GPs.

The desire to provide for their baby's future actually gave them a good reason for pursuing education and a career.

While no-one actually advocates that lone teenagers get pregnant, the situation may not be a complete disaster.

Help

The government provides extra help for young teenage mums, including free or subsidised childcare, which is one of the biggest costs for other mothers.

But, the role of grandparents may also be vital, in allowing their teenage daughters to finish their education

In recent years, the average age for having a first baby has risen substantially: it now stands at around 29.

Fewer than three in 100 mothers are aged under 20.

Normally, it's assumed that mothers who have their children before they finish their education will find it much more difficult to get a job.

Is becoming a single mum a disaster? You can use this form to e-mail the Breakfast team