Teenage pregnancy remains the leading cause of death for girls aged 15 to 19 worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The agency is urging governments to take stronger action to end child marriage and keep girls in school, which are proven strategies to reduce these preventable deaths.
Each year, over 21 million adolescent girls in low- and middle-income countries become pregnant—half of these pregnancies are unintended. Alarmingly, nine in 10 adolescent births occur among girls who were married before turning 18.
“Early pregnancies can have serious physical and psychological consequences for girls and young women,” said Dr. Pascale Allotey, Director of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research at WHO. “They often reflect deep-rooted inequalities that limit girls’ ability to make decisions about their own lives.”
Health Risks and Long-Term Consequences
Teen pregnancies carry a higher risk of infection, complications during childbirth, and premature birth. Beyond health, they often disrupt girls’ education and future career prospects—locking many into a cycle of poverty.
“Early marriage denies girls their childhood and has severe consequences for their health,” said Dr. Sheri Bastien, WHO Scientist for Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health.
She stressed that education is a powerful tool to transform girls’ futures. At the same time, both boys and girls must be taught about consent and encouraged to challenge gender inequalities that drive early marriage and pregnancy.
Education as Prevention
According to UNICEF, child marriage could be reduced by two-thirds if all girls completed secondary education. WHO is urging govts to improve girls’ access to schooling, financial services, and job opportunities as sustainable alternatives to early marriage.
Progress Made, But Gaps Remain
There has been global progress. In 2021, one in 25 girls gave birth before age 20, compared to one in 15 two decades earlier. However, big gaps remain. In some countries, nearly 1 in 10 girls aged 15 to 19 give birth each year.
Comprehensive Sexuality Education
WHO’s newly updated guidelines—its first since 2011—highlight the importance of comprehensive sexuality education. The agency says teaching adolescents about reproductive health, contraception, and their rights is essential to reducing early pregnancies.
“It has been shown to delay the onset of sexual activity, reduce early pregnancies, and improve adolescents’ understanding of their bodies,” WHO stated.
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