Key Statistics and Trends
Adolescent pregnancy remains a pressing global issue, with significant health, social, and economic implications. As of 2019, an alarming 21 million pregnancies occurred annually among adolescents aged 15–19 years in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Shockingly, approximately 50% of these pregnancies were unintended, leading to an estimated 12 million births. The repercussions of this phenomenon are far-reaching, with 55% of unintended pregnancies ending in unsafe abortions, particularly prevalent in LMICs.
Adolescent mothers, aged 10–19 years, face elevated risks of complications such as eclampsia, puerperal endometritis, and systemic infections. Their infants, in turn, confront higher probabilities of low birth weight, preterm birth, and severe neonatal conditions. Additionally, data on childbirths among girls aged 10–14 reveal a global adolescent birth rate of 1.5 per 1000 women in 2022, with higher rates in sub-Saharan Africa (4.6) and Latin America and the Caribbean (2.4).
Prevention and Implications
Efforts to prevent adolescent pregnancy and mitigate pregnancy-related mortality and morbidity are crucial for positive health outcomes throughout individuals’ lives and align with achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to maternal and newborn health.
While the global adolescent birth rate has seen a decline from 64.5 births per 1000 women in 2000 to 41.3 births per 1000 women in 2023, regional variations persist. Southern Asia demonstrated the sharpest decline, while Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) and sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) regions continue to exhibit the highest rates globally at 52.1 and 99.4 births per 1000 women, respectively.
Within regions, substantial differences persist. For example, the WHO African Region reported an estimated adolescent birth rate of 97 per 1000 adolescents in 2022, compared to 13.1 per 1000 adolescent girls in the European Region. Even within countries like Zambia and the Philippines, significant variations in adolescent birth rates exist.
Context and Contributing Factors
Adolescent pregnancies are influenced by socio-economic factors, education levels, and vulnerabilities. Barriers to obtaining and using contraceptives, child marriage, and child sexual abuse contribute to increased risks. Child marriage, affecting approximately 650 million girls globally, heightens the probability of early pregnancies due to limited autonomy. In many societies, limited educational and employment prospects lead girls to choose early motherhood as a valued option.
Access to contraceptives is a challenge for adolescents, often due to stigma, lack of resources, and restrictive laws. Child sexual abuse, affecting around 120 million girls, further increases the risk of unintended pregnancies. Violence against adolescents is pervasive, with 24% of those aged 15–19 subjected to physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner. These factors contribute to a complex landscape where addressing adolescent pregnancy requires multifaceted strategies.
WHO Response and Future Outlook
In response to the challenges posed by adolescent pregnancy, WHO collaborates with partners to advocate for attention to adolescents, build evidence, develop program support tools, and strengthen capacity. The focus is not only on pregnancy prevention but also on improving access to and the quality of maternal care for pregnant and parenting adolescents.
While progress has been made, with adolescent health gaining prominence in global agendas, challenges persist. Advocacy, evidence generation, tool development, and capacity building continue to be crucial components of WHO’s efforts. The recognition of adolescent pregnancy as a global phenomenon necessitates concerted efforts from governments, non-governmental organizations, and communities to address this critical issue urgently. By doing so, we can pave the way for a healthier, more equitable future for adolescents worldwide.
