A recent study conducted by the obstetrics and gynecology department of Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Nagpur sheds light on the prevalent factors contributing to pregnancies among unwed mothers. The research, guided by Dean Dr. Raj Gajbhiye and led by Dr. Renuka Deshmukh, examined 105 cases of unwed pregnancies reported to GMCH between 2021 and 2023.
The findings of the study are striking, revealing that in a staggering 88.7% of cases, the biological father of the child was either a neighbor (55.2%) or a close relative (30.5%) of the mother. This underscores the vulnerability of young women within their communities and homes, highlighting a concerning lack of access to appropriate sexual health education.
The study paints a broader picture of the challenges surrounding pregnancies among unwed mothers. The average age of the women included in the study was approximately 21 years, with a significant proportion (42.9%) falling within the 18-22 age bracket. Furthermore, the rural-urban divide played a role, with a higher percentage of cases (53.3%) residing in rural areas compared to urban areas (46.7%).
Of particular concern is the vulnerability of minors to sexual exploitation, as highlighted by the fact that 21% of unwed mothers in the study were in the 12-17 age group. This underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to protect young girls from exploitation and provide them with the necessary support and resources.
The consequences of such pregnancies were varied and often devastating. A significant majority (54.3%) of unwed mothers opted for medical termination of pregnancy during the second trimester. Among the remaining cases that resulted in live births, the outcomes were equally concerning. Approximately 12.5% of newborns died shortly after delivery, while 37.5% were placed in orphanages. Only half (50%) of the children were raised by their biological parents, further highlighting the complex and often challenging circumstances surrounding unwed pregnancies.
Overall, the findings of this study underscore the urgent need for comprehensive sexual health education and support services for young women, particularly those living in vulnerable communities. Addressing the underlying social, economic, and cultural factors that contribute to unwed pregnancies is essential to ensure the health and well-being of both mothers and their children.
