Unicamp study finds high rates of unplanned pregnancy among young women

A study conducted at Unicamp’s Hospital da Mulher (Caism) reveals that 84% of young women aged 12 to 20 receiving prenatal care did not plan their pregnancies. The research, published in The European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care, surveyed 101 participants between June 2017 and July 2024.

Findings indicate that the average age of first sexual intercourse was 14, with the first pregnancy occurring at age 16. Researchers noted that unplanned pregnancies are linked to social, educational, and reproductive factors. While knowledge of contraceptive methods exists, the study highlighted difficulties in accessing highly effective options, such as IUDs and hormonal implants, which are not universally available in Brazil.

The study emphasizes the need for quality education to allow young people to develop life projects beyond early parenthood, noting that unplanned pregnancy can lead to lower educational attainment and reduced income in adulthood.