The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued updated guidelines yesterday (23) aimed at preventing adolescent pregnancies and addressing the health risks and social challenges they pose for girls aged 15–19, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Early pregnancy remains a leading cause of death in this age group worldwide.
The guideline highlights a multifaceted strategy, urging countries to:
End child marriage through legal reforms and community-based efforts.
Keep girls in school by offering financial incentives, scholarships, and social support to complete secondary education.
Improve access to adolescent-responsive sexual and reproductive health services, including contraceptive options, without requiring adult consent.
Strengthen comprehensive sexuality education for both boys and girls, fostering knowledge of consent, reproductive health, and contraceptive use.
The guideline also recommends laws to prohibit marriage below the age of 18, consistent with human rights standards, and community engagement to prevent the practice.
“Early pregnancies often reflect deep-rooted gender inequalities and severely impact girls’ health, education, and future opportunities,” said Dr Pascale Allotey, Director of WHO’s Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research. She emphasized the need for systems that allow girls to make informed choices and thrive.
According to WHO, more than 21 million adolescent girls become pregnant annually in low- and middle-income countries, with about half of those pregnancies being unintended. Adolescent mothers face higher risks of health complications, including infections, preterm birth, and unsafe abortion, often due to barriers in accessing safe and respectful care.
The guideline notes a strong link between early pregnancy and child marriage, with 9 in 10 adolescent births occurring among girls married before 18. Ending this practice and offering viable alternatives—such as education, vocational training, and financial empowerment—are essential to breaking the cycle.
Dr Sheri Bastien, WHO Scientist for Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health, stressed the role of education in preventing early marriage and pregnancy. “Empowering adolescents to understand consent and gender equality is essential for lasting change,” she said.
This 2025 guideline replaces WHO’s 2011 recommendations, expanding focus on contraception access and child marriage prevention, and aligns with broader WHO guidance on adolescent health, gender-based violence, and educational equity.
While global adolescent birth rates have declined—from 1 in 15 girls giving birth before age 20 two decades ago to 1 in 25 in 2021—inequities remain stark. In some countries, nearly 10% of girls aged 15–19 give birth each year.
The WHO urges countries to act swiftly, using this guideline to build inclusive health systems and social environments where adolescent girls are supported, informed, and empowered to shape their own futures.
