ADOLESCENT PREGNANCY IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC: A CALL FOR RIGHTS-BASED SOLUTIONS

Adolescent pregnancy is a pressing challenge across Asia and the Pacific that impacts millions of young lives each year with 26 out of every 1,000 girls giving birth during adolescence, resulting in over 2.2 million births to girls aged 15–19 years1. This reality reflects complex socio-economic and cultural factors. Many of these pregnancies are unintended, often resulting from limited access to contraception and information, especially for unmarried adolescents. Addressing rights-based adolescent pregnancy is not just essential for the health and future of young people—it’s crucial for the broader aspirations of gender equality and sustainable development in the region.