More than 33,000 teen pregnancies reported in Karnataka over last 3 years

BENGALURU: Karnataka reported a significantly high 33,621 teen pregnancies between 2021-22 and 2023-24. This is part of a broader trend observed over the past decade.A district-wise analysis reveals that Bengaluru Urban reported the highest number of teen pregnancies at 4,324. Other districts with high incidences include Vijayanagar (2,468 cases), Ballari (2,283), Belagavi (2,224), and Mysuru (1,930).Experts attribute this trend partly to increased awareness and stringent enforcement of Pocso Act, which mandates healthcare providers report underage pregnancies. Additional factors include socioeconomic conditions, easy access to the internet, social media influence, family instability, and a lack of comprehensive sex education.Naganna Gowda, the chairman of Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, emphasised the role of social media in exposing teenagers to inappropriate content, leading to risky behaviours early in their lives. He said: "Teenagers are influenced often by what they see online, leading to impulsive decisions and early relationships, which can result in unintended pregnancies." Awareness prog working Data from the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) portal under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare indicates fluctuations in annual teen pregnancy cases: While there were 11,792 cases in 2021-22, it increased to 13,198 in 2022-23, followed by a decline to 8,631 in 2023-24. This recent decline may suggest that awareness programmes and preventive measures are beginning to have an impact.The govt plans to launch more awareness programmes in the 2025-26 academic year, in collaboration with NGOs and the KSCPCR.