Posted by Paige on February 20, 2003 at 09:16:56:
The optimal age to have children from a biological standpoint is around age 20. Researchers claim that an early pregnancy may reduce the risk of breast cancer by as much at 50%. This time frame does not match up with social, educational or career opportunities for women. In order to have a family between the ages of 21-28, a woman needs an extended support group which is centered on the well being of the child/children and that also enables her to pursue higher education or a career because this is also good for the family. If a young woman misses the window of opportunity either for education/career opportunites or for having children, she may never be able to have these chances again. Before getting married, a woman should think about all these things and try to line up all possible resources so that she can set herself up for success before entering this one time only stage of life where opportunity knocks.