A Road Less Travelled explores the lived experiences and social context prior to becoming pregnant, of women who became mothers during adolescence in rural Victoria.

The report’s findings highlighted the complex nature of rural young women’s experiences leading up to pregnancy and suggested that early motherhood might be largely reflective of the social environment in which one lives prior to pregnancy. Providing somewhere safe to go, organised and appropriate social activities and increasing access to health services were identified as being pertinent to improving experiences for rural young people prior to pregnancy. The report concludes that health professionals should consider the importance of supporting young women through non‐judgemental, approachable and accessible services.