This working paper explores the way young couples in Ethiopia make decisions about fertility and childbearing, and examines their experiences of contraceptive use. It draws on longitudinal qualitative data and quantitative information from young mothers and fathers, spouses, caregivers, community representatives and service providers in eight communities. The paper focuses on the following research questions: (1) What is the relationship between early marriage and young parenthood? (2) What are the experiences of fertility and childbearing among young married couples?

This policy brief draws on a qualitative study of young people in eight rural and urban communities who are part of the Young Lives longitudinal study of 3,000 children and young people in Ethiopia. 

The study investigates experiences of fertility and childbearing among young mothers and fathers, whose voices are rarely heard in the debates on child marriage.

This working paper draws on data from Young Lives and focuses on 29 young families. The paper addresses two main issues: the roles of the young mothers and fathers in parenting, and the health services available to them.