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Every year, over 21 million adolescent girls in low- and middle-income nations face pregnancy, with about half of these cases categorized as unintended. Notably, a significant proportion—nine out of ten—of adolescent births occur among those who were married prior to turning 18.
Dr. Pascale Allotey, Director of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research at WHO, emphasizes that “Early pregnancies can have serious physical and psychological consequences for girls and young women. (They) often reflect fundamental inequalities that affect their ability to shape their relationships and their lives.”
Risks of Early Pregnancy
Adolescent pregnancy is associated with various health risks, including increased likelihood of infections, complications during childbirth, and premature deliveries. Furthermore, it interrupts educational pursuits and restricts future employment prospects, often leading to a cycle of poverty for young mothers.
To combat the rise of teenage pregnancies, WHO advocates for governmental interventions that provide alternatives to child marriage, such as enhanced access to education, financial resources, and employment opportunities.
Research shows that if all girls completed their secondary education, the prevalence of child marriage could be drastically reduced by up to two-thirds, as highlighted by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The Impact of Child Marriage
While there has been some global progress in reducing rates of teen pregnancy—falling from one in 15 girls in 2001 to one in 25 in 2021—persistent disparities exist. In various regions, nearly one in ten girls aged 15 to 19 still gives birth annually.
Dr. Sheri Bastien, a Scientist for Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health at WHO, points out that early marriage strips girls of their childhood and bears grave health implications. She underscores the transformative role of education in shaping the futures of young girls and stresses the necessity for both genders to recognize the concept of consent and to confront enduring gender inequalities that foster high rates of child marriage and early pregnancy worldwide.
WHO has recently updated its guidelines, revisiting the recommendations first published in 2011. These guidelines advocate for comprehensive sexuality education, which is deemed crucial to ensure that adolescents are well-informed about contraception options and know where to seek guidance.
Research has demonstrated that such education can effectively reduce instances of early pregnancy, postpone the initiation of sexual activities, and enhance adolescents’ understanding of their bodies and reproductive health.
Source
news.un.org