“No” to sex education encourages early pregnancies in Central America
“No” to sex education encourages early pregnancies in Central ... Q Costa Rica News
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Pregnancies Among Girls and Adolescents in Central America
Q REPORTS (IPS) – Pregnancies among girls and adolescents continue to be a significant issue in Central America, where laws to prevent them are often ineffective. Conservative sectors that oppose sex education in schools have influenced the governments of these countries, hindering progress in addressing this issue.
The Influence of Pressure Groups
Conservative sectors in Honduras, united under the movement “For our children,” have opposed the Comprehensive Law for the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy. They argue that the law promotes “gender ideology,” a term used by international conservative populism to criticize the dissemination of women’s and LGBTI rights. The United Nations has expressed concern about the disinformation campaigns surrounding this law.
The Situation in Honduras
Honduras has the second-highest rate of adolescent pregnancies in Latin America, with one in four births being to a girl under 19 years old. Despite having laws that classify sexual relations with minors under 14 as sexual violence and a crime, there are no effective public policies to prevent pregnancies among girls and adolescents.
The Situation in El Salvador
El Salvador has made some progress in reducing the rate of pregnancies among girls and adolescents. However, it still ranks among the top 50 countries with the highest fertility rates in girls between the ages of 10 and 14. The country needs to adopt policies and strategies tailored to the specific realities of girls aged 10-14 and adolescents aged 15-19.
The Lack of Sexual Education
Central American countries, including El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua, have conservative views when it comes to sexual and reproductive education. Abortion is either completely banned or only allowed in limited cases. The lack of comprehensive sexuality education in schools contributes to the prevalence of adolescent pregnancies.
The Root Causes
The root causes of the high rates of pregnancies among girls and adolescents in Central America are multi-causal. Patriarchy, gender stereotypes, sexual violence, and the influence of colonialism and capitalism all play a role. Girls are forced into early motherhood, perpetuating the cycle of poverty and hindering their life prospects.
Efforts to Address the Issue
Efforts to address the issue include proposed initiatives in Guatemala for the state to offer reparation to pregnant girls and adolescents. These initiatives aim to provide support for education, childcare, and formula feeding. However, progress has been slow in implementing these measures.
The Importance of Sexual Education
To prevent future generations from experiencing the same hardships, it is crucial to provide comprehensive sexual education. Teaching young people about contraception, consent, and reproductive health can empower them to make informed decisions and prevent unplanned pregnancies.
Conclusion
Pregnancies among girls and adolescents in Central America remain a pressing issue. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 5 (Gender Equality), emphasize the importance of addressing this issue. It is essential for governments in the region to prioritize comprehensive sexual education and implement effective policies to prevent adolescent pregnancies.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.7: By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programs.
- SDG 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.
- SDG 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Program of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences.
- SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
- SDG 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 3.7: Proportion of women of reproductive age (aged 15-49 years) who have their need for family planning satisfied with modern methods.
- Indicator for SDG 4.7: Proportion of schools with comprehensive and life skills-based sexuality education.
- Indicator for SDG 5.6: Proportion of women aged 15-49 years who make their own informed decisions regarding sexual relations, contraceptive use, and reproductive health care.
- Indicator for SDG 10.2: Proportion of individuals who have experienced sexual harassment or violence in the previous 12 months.
- Indicator for SDG 16.7: Proportion of population who believe decision-making is inclusive and responsive, by sex, age, disability, and population group.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.7: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services | Proportion of women of reproductive age (aged 15-49 years) who have their need for family planning satisfied with modern methods |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.7: Ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development | Proportion of schools with comprehensive and life skills-based sexuality education |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights | Proportion of women aged 15-49 years who make their own informed decisions regarding sexual relations, contraceptive use, and reproductive health care |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all | Proportion of individuals who have experienced sexual harassment or violence in the previous 12 months |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels | Proportion of population who believe decision-making is inclusive and responsive, by sex, age, disability, and population group |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: qcostarica.com
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