The state of Yucatán is facing an alarming rate of teenage pregnancies, with 17% of women who become mothers between the ages of 12 and 19. According to data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), this phenomenon affects one adolescent in five pregnancies, making it a growing concern for health officials and social workers.
The root causes of this issue are complex and multifaceted, with factors such as sexual violence, risky social practices, and assigned maternal roles contributing to the increase in early pregnancies. In rural areas, girls are often expected to take on maternal responsibilities, leading to an increase in teenage mothers.
“The municipalities with the highest incidence of teenage pregnancies are Halachó, Chemax, Progreso, Umán, and Kanasín,” said Juan Manuel Canto González, director of the Mexican Association for Equality and Well-being Yaxché. “We are working to implement prevention and care strategies in these areas.”
Nationally, up to 1,000 pregnancies among girls and adolescents are reported every day, with a growing trend since 2010. Of these cases, an estimated 95% are related to sexual abuse, with most aggressors being members of the immediate family.
Psychologist Alejandra Cervera Dzib highlights that 80% of young women facing unplanned pregnancies in Yucatán do not assume the role of mother, delegating responsibilities to their own fathers. This phenomenon underscores the need for comprehensive strategies addressing teenage pregnancy, including sexual education and access to contraceptive methods.
“It is imperative to implement public policies and community strategies that address the underlying causes and provide support to pregnant adolescents,” Cervera Dzib emphasized. “Teenage pregnancy represents a multifaceted challenge affecting the health, education, and overall development of young women.”
Source: Por Esto
