Jamaica

Fertility rates in Jamaica, once a British colony, have declined, but the adolescent fertility rate is very high. Women's educational attainment exceeds men's, and women are often the sole wage earner. Diverse religions influence mothering ideals. Contraceptive use varies despite high knowledge. Most women receive skilled prenatal care and delivery. Landmark legislation includes paid maternity leave and the Maintenance Act of 2005.

The fertility rate of 2.3 children per mother has declined steadily in Jamaica since the 1970s, but the adolescent fertility rate is the highest among English-speaking Caribbean nations. More than three-quarters of pregnancies among young women are unplanned; about 40 percent have had a child by age 20. Contraceptive use by women in union is about 69 percent. Men's belief that having many sexual partners proves manhood influences contraceptive use. Awareness of contraceptive methods is high, but many young Jamaicans fail to use them consistently. Abortion is illegal.

Jamaican mothers struggle to help their children become wel-eduated. One-fourth of males in Jamaica are illiterate.

The Women's Center of Jamaica Foundation administers the Program for Adolescent Mothers to address pregnancy among girls ages 12 to 16, as adolescent girls are at very high risk for maternal mortality. The program offers health services and family planning through referral. At least four prenatal visits are the norm for 87 percent of pregnant women, and 95 percent of births are attended by skilled personnel. The Association of Women's Organizations of Jamaica pushed the government for paid maternity leave, approved in 1980. The Maintenance Act of 2005 stipulated the obligation of both spouses to maintain each other in need and to provide support their children. Employers provide 12 weeks of paid maternity leave.

Almost 40 percent of households are female-headed and may be the only breadwinner, but even [Page 600]so, women are twice as likely as men to be unemployed. Poverty is widespread. Many Jamaicans migrate to urban areas or to other countries such as England or the United States to earn higher wages to support their families. Mothers rely on an extended family of grandparents, aunts, and uncles to help raise children. Legal marriage and nuclear families are the preference, but cohabitation is acceptable. Marriage is rare among poor Jamaicans due to the high cost of a church wedding; many couples enter common-law unions and postpone formal marriage until they can afford it.