Experts continue to express deep concern over the high rates of teenage pregnancies in the Dominican Republic, as reported in El Caribe. Shocking new data reveals that a young girl between the ages of 15 and 19 becomes pregnant every three hours, with over 4,000 new cases reported in the first quarter of 2024 alone.
Psychiatrists Angie Santana and Katty Gómez, speaking on the CDN program “Reporte Especial,” described the figures on teenage pregnancies as “scandalous.” Gómez went further, suggesting that these statistics indicate that over 4,000 girls have been victims of sexual violence. “Dominican law considers any sexual act involving a minor to be sexual abuse,” she emphasized.
Despite a slight decline in teen pregnancies in recent years, the issue remains a significant challenge for Dominican society. A breakdown of the data shows that 51.94% of teenage pregnancies resulted in natural births, while 40.01% were delivered via cesarean section. Tragically, 8.05% ended in miscarriage.
“The fact is that these numbers won’t go down until we implement a comprehensive plan to prevent teen pregnancies,” said Santana. “These statistics include girls who become pregnant due to early unions, but also those who are victims of sexual violence within their own families.”
Provinces such as Montecristi, Elías Piña, Peravia, and La Romana have reported the highest rates of teen pregnancies, with percentages exceeding 23%.
Gynecologist Dr. Santa Pérez warned that complications related to premature births and childbirth are the leading cause of death among adolescent girls worldwide. She highlighted the increased risks for girls aged 10 to 15, whose reproductive systems are not fully developed.
At Maternidad Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia, a leading maternity hospital in the capital city, over 3,500 teenage mothers sought postnatal care between January and July 2024.
Meanwhile, the Attorney General’s Office reported a disturbing number of crimes against minors. Between January and March 2023, there were 353 reported cases, including 138 allegations of sexual abuse.
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El Caribe
9 September 2024