Every year, more than 21 million adolescents in low and medium income countries become pregnant. Approximately half of these pregnancies are not desired. Nine out of 10 births of adolescents occur among girls who married before turning 18.
“Early pregnancies can have serious physical and psychological consequences for young girls and women,” said Dr. Pascale Allotey, director of health and sexual and reproductive research of WHO. “(They) often reflect fundamental inequalities that affect their ability to shape their relationships and their lives.”
Too young to give birth
Teen pregnancy entails serious health risks. These include higher rates of infection, complications and premature delivery. It also interrupts education and limits job opportunities later in life. Many young mothers end up trapped in poverty.
To help prevent teenage pregnancy, which is asking governments to offer better alternatives to child marriage. These include improving access to education, financial services and jobs.
If all girls finished high school, child marriage could Be cut by up to two thirds, according to the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Stolen childhood
There has been global progress. In 2021, one in 25 girls gave birth before the age of 20. Twenty years before, the rate was one in 15. However, great gaps are left. In some countries, almost one in 10 girls aged 15 to 19 still give birth every year.
“Early marriage denies girls their childhood and has serious consequences for their health,” said Dr. Sheri Bastien, scientist of sexual and reproductive health in WHO.
She emphasized the power of education in the transformation of girls’ futures. At the same time, both boys and girls need to understand the concept of consent “and Challenge the main gender inequalities that continue to drive high -marriage and early pregnancy rates In many parts of the world. “
The update of the WHO guidelines advice Issued in 2011. They promote sexuality sexual education that says that the UN agency is essential for boys and girls to know how to use different types of contraception and where to seek advice.
“It has been shown that it reduces early pregnancies, delays the beginning of sexual activity and improves adolescents’ knowledge about their bodies and reproductive health,” he said.
