Teenage pregnancy rates rise in Serbia and North Macedonia

Recent data highlights a concerning trend of teenage pregnancies in the Balkan region. In Serbia, more than 3,500 teenagers aged 15 to 19 gave birth over a two-year period. Specifically, 3,508 births were recorded in this age group, including 31 cases involving girls under the age of 15.

Medical statistics from the Institute of Public Health of Serbia Dr Milan Jovanović Batut show that in 2023, there were 1,819 births among girls aged 15–19, followed by 1,689 in 2024. Additionally, pregnancy terminations among this demographic rose from 374 in 2023 to 452 in 2024. Among those under 15, 16 pregnancy terminations were recorded over the last two years.

Medical experts, including gynecologist Dr. Zoran Savić, note that while biological maturation, such as the onset of menstruation, is occurring earlier, it does not equate to emotional maturity. Experts warn that early sexual activity, often unprotected, is a primary driver of these statistics.