Post by United Nations Human Rights

Adolescent pregnancy remains one of the clearest tests of whether societies are delivering on the rights of girls. It is deeply linked to inequalities in education, protection, healthcare, economic opportunity and decision making power. Where girls face child marriage, sexual violence, criminalization of abortion care and restricted access to essential health services and information, rates of adolescent pregnancy remain highest and can even cost girls their lives. Adolescents who experience pregnancy and childbirth face a higher risk of maternal mortality than adult women. The evidence is well established. Preventing adolescent pregnancy requires sustained investment in quality education, adolescent friendly sexual and reproductive health services, social protection and legal frameworks that protect girls’ rights and agency. It also requires stronger data systems, as underreporting and inadequate information continue to obscure the scale of the challenge and weaken effective responses. Every girl should have the opportunity to complete her education, make informed decisions about her health and future, and enter adulthood on her own terms. https://lnkd.in/egzcvHiX