Cases of teenage pregnancy rising in Karnataka

BENGALURU: The number of teenage pregnancies in Karnataka is increasing by the day. In the last three years, over one lakh teenage girls have been found to be pregnant, ringing alarm bells in civil society.

According to the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) portal, 1,33,962 underage girls were found pregnant in the state. The increasing number of teenage pregnancies in the state has now become a matter of concern.

About 45,279 teenage pregnancy cases were reported in 2021-22 in the state, followed by 49,291 in 2022-23, and 39,392 in 2023-24 (up to June).

Bengaluru city tops the list with the highest number of early-age pregnancies. Bengaluru city witnessed the highest number of cases of teenage pregnancy. There were 6,455 cases in 2021-22, 6,702 cases in 2022-23 and 4,506 cases till June 2023-24.

After Bengaluru, Belagavi, Ballari, Bidar and Chitradurga districts also saw an increasd number of underage pregnant women.

The Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has expressed concern over the RCH report and warned of strict punishment for offenders. The commission has also emphasized the need for awareness and education to prevent such incidents. The commission said it will take action against doctors and police officials who show negligence in such cases.

Lack of education, superstition and some parents agreeing to child marriage are the major reasons for the increase in underage pregnancies. Other factors include rape, love affairs, live-in relationships and lack of sexual awareness. Premature marriage, and lack of awareness about reproductive health are also contributing factors.

Not just the government, but also educational institutions, society and family members must also take responsibility to prevent such incidents, Dr Naganagouda, president of the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, said while emphasizing the need for collective effort to address the issue.

“If police find any teenage pregnancy cases, an FIR will be registered. They will produce the victim before the CWC and action will be taken accordingly. If any department’s official ignore the rule, action will be taken action them also. The CWC and police department are on alert on increasing teenage pregnancy”, Naganagouda added.