Childhood cut short: Three stories of adolescent pregnancy from Paraguay

ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay

No one seemed to mind when Noelia got a boyfriend. Nobody in her family said a word, even though her boyfriend was 18 years old and she was just 13.

When Noelia went to see the cardiologist who had cared for her since birth through the public health service, the doctor explained the risk of pregnancy to her, but not how to prevent it. Although her mother accompanied her to medical appointments and knew about her daughter’s relationship, she did not express any concerns. Nor did anyone at school explain sexual abuse or birth control methods to her.

Soon, Noelia stopped going to school. Then she stopped going to the health service. She was pregnant.

Six months into her pregnancy, Noelia was rushed to the hospital with congestive heart failure. Both Noelia and her fetus lost their lives.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Emphasis:

1. Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
2. Goal 4: Quality Education
3. Goal 5: Gender Equality
4. Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities

Isabel*

Isabel was 13 years old when she became pregnant. Although the man who lived with her was 40 years old, nobody reported the situation as abusive.

When the time came to give birth, Isabel faced complications and was forced to undergo a Caesarean section. In the middle of the procedure, her heart stopped.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Emphasis:

1. Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
2. Goal 5: Gender Equality

Miriam*

When public health officials visited Miriam’s house, her grandmother told them nothing was amiss. Rumours had begun to circulate about Miriam’s well-being, but her grandmother denied that they were true.

The same public health officials visited Miriam at school. Miriam was sick, but her grandmother said there was nothing to worry about. Her condition worsened, and soon she was referred to the public hospital with symptoms that suggested she had undergone an unsafe abortion.

Miriam died in intensive care 52 days later, just after her 14th birthday. It was never discovered who abused her, or who forced her to have an abortion.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Emphasis:

1. Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
2. Goal 5: Gender Equality
3. Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities

Conclusion

Worldwide, 55 per cent of unintended pregnancies among adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 years end in abortions, many of which are unsafe. Unsafe abortion is a leading cause of maternal death, especially among adolescents, but this can be prevented by ensuring communities have access to adequate family planning services, comprehensive sexuality education, and culturally sensitive information on preventing gender-based violence and other harms. UNFPA is working to reduce adolescent pregnancy in Paraguay and to keep girls safe from exploitation and harm. Girls have the right to make informed decisions about their bodies and their reproductive health. When we safeguard the right to sexual and reproductive health for all, girls can reach their full potential and help themselves, and their societies, to thrive.

Speaking on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem called the international community to action: “Online or off, all spaces should be free from gender-based violence. This International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, let us recommit to concrete actions that will protect women and girls in all their diversity. Let us recommit to building a world that is more just, inclusive and equitable, and where women and girls can live in peace.”

Find more stories of adolescent pregnancy from Paraguay here.

*Names changed for safety and privacy.

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