Plan International study: Adolescent pregnancy increases inequality in Brazil

A study by Plan International, titled ‘Marcas do Tempo: Gravidez na Infância ou Adolescência e seus Impactos na Vida de Mulheres no Brasil’, reveals that childhood and adolescent pregnancy significantly increases inequality and reduces opportunities for young women in Brazil.

The research, which surveyed over 1,500 individuals aged 19 to 29, identified school dropout as a primary consequence. Approximately 61% of young women who experienced early pregnancy left their studies, compared to 33% of those who did not.

Early motherhood is also linked to higher rates of marriage and larger families. Among those who became pregnant between ages 15 and 19, 88% entered unions or married following their first pregnancy, and 48% have two or more children.

Professional trajectories are also affected, with 83% of respondents reporting they had left a job or lost professional opportunities due to caregiving responsibilities, including childcare, domestic tasks, and financial burdens.