Karnataka records over 33,600 teen pregnancies in three years

Karnataka has reported 33,621 cases of teen pregnancies between 2021-22 and 2023-24, reflecting a concerning trend observed over the past decade. Bengaluru Urban recorded the highest number of cases at 4,324, followed by Vijayanagar (2,468), Ballari (2,283), Belagavi (2,224), and Mysuru (1,930).

Also read: Karnataka: Micro Finance harassment claims two more lives; FIR filed after NewsFirst report

Experts cite multiple factors behind the rise, including increased awareness and stricter enforcement of the Pocso Act, which mandates reporting of underage pregnancies. Other contributors include socioeconomic conditions, social media influence, family instability, and a lack of comprehensive sex education.

Naganna Gowda, chairman of the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR), reportedly stressed the role of social media in exposing teenagers to inappropriate content, influencing risky behavior.

Data from the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) portal under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare shows fluctuating trends: 11,792 cases in 2021-22, rising to 13,198 in 2022-23, before dropping to 8,631 in 2023-24. The decline suggests that awareness campaigns and preventive measures may be making an impact.

The Karnataka government plans to intensify awareness programmes in the 2025-26 academic year, collaborating with NGOs and the KSCPCR to address the issue and further reduce teen pregnancies.