Teenage pregnancy in Brazil and public policies

Abstract

Contextualization: Teenage pregnancy is a significant public health challenge in Brazil, profoundly impacting not only young mothers but also their families and society as a whole. Problem: The phenomenon of early pregnancy is closely linked to socioeconomic, educational, and cultural factors, which contribute to the persistence of social inequalities and vulnerability among adolescents. Objectives: This study aims to analyze the factors contributing to teenage pregnancy, exploring the role of public policies established by the 1988 Constitution and the Child and Adolescent Statute in mitigating this issue. Methods: This research adopts a qualitative approach, based on a documentary review and critical analysis of public policies and intersectional approaches aimed at combating early pregnancy. The focus lies on protecting the rights of pregnant adolescents, with the aim of understanding the nuances and implications of the initiatives implemented in this legal and social context. Results: The findings highlight the urgent need for approaches that consider the socioeconomic and cultural inequalities that perpetuate the cycle of teenage pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of solutions that promote universal access to education and healthcare. Final considerations: The final considerations suggest that protecting the human rights of adolescents, combined with effective and inclusive public policies, is essential to reduce the incidence of early pregnancy, promote social equity, and ensure a better future for young people in Brazil.