What are the causes of teenage pregnancy?
The causes of teenage pregnancy include a lack of access to sexual and reproductive health education and services. The expectations of communities on girls to become mothers early can be a cause along with sexual violence.
Child marriage is a key factor – approximately 90% of births to teenage mothers in developing countries occur within marriage.
Factors such as parents’ income and girls’ education also contribute. Girls who have received a low amount of education are 5 times more likely to become a mother than those with higher levels of education.
In addition, the unique risks faced by girls during emergencies increase the chances of them becoming pregnant.
What are the effects of teenage pregnancy?
Global problem with dangerous consequences - Key statistics
Where is teenage pregnancy most common?
Data: WorldBank*
How is Plan International helping girls?
We firmly believe that girls’ bodies are their own and they must have the ability to make their own decisions about them.
By raising girls’ awareness of sexual health, protecting them from abuse and connecting them with education and health services, we support the key decisions they make about their futures and bodies so they can avoid teenage pregnancy.
In addition, we are calling on governments to strengthen national health systems, implement sex education in and out of schools, provide affordable, safe contraception and address the root causes of teenage pregnancy.
In Nicaragua, the country with the highest rate of teenage pregnancy in Latin America, we’re educating young people about sexual health and encouraging open discussions about the issue.
Campaign for girls
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Learn more about the global movement for girls’ rights
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