Fri Jan 31 00:48:00 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Sees Sharp Rise in Underage Pregnancies, Sparking Concerns

**Bengaluru, January 31, 2025** – A significant increase in underage pregnancies in Karnataka has raised serious alarm among activists and officials. Data presented to the Legislative Assembly reveals a dramatic surge in reported cases: 252 in 2021-22, 405 in 2022-23, and a staggering 709 in 2023-24.

While the Women and Child Welfare Minister, Laxmi Hebbalkar, attributes the rise to factors including changing family structures, social media influence, increased child marriages, and traditional practices, activists contend that the reported figures represent only a fraction of the actual problem. They cite numerous anecdotal cases illustrating the devastating consequences of a lack of awareness regarding sex education and contraception, combined with rampant sexual abuse and early marriages driven by socio-economic pressures.

Social scientists and former Child Welfare Committee (CWC) members shared harrowing accounts of young girls, some as young as 13, becoming pregnant with little or no understanding of the implications. The cases highlight the vulnerability of girls, particularly in rural areas where child marriage remains prevalent, often spurred by anxieties surrounding safety and security, especially during periods of economic hardship and migration.

The post-pandemic period witnessed a concerning trend of even younger girls (9-12 years old) being married, according to Tejaswini Hiremath, a social scientist. Migration to urban centers like Bengaluru, particularly from other states, has also contributed to the rise in cases, with vulnerable girls employed in domestic work becoming victims of exploitation.

Activists criticize the lack of a cohesive government response, highlighting the fragmented approach between the Women and Child Welfare Department (which tracks reported cases) and the Health Department (which focuses solely on hospital-reported cases). The absence of a centralized database on underage pregnancies further hampers effective intervention.

While the government has initiated awareness campaigns and training programs, concerns persist regarding the underreporting of cases due to societal stigma, pressure on medical professionals to avoid reporting, and a lack of comprehensive prevention strategies at the grassroots level. Activists emphasize the need for increased vigilance by healthcare workers, including the provision of sex education and contraception, along with stricter enforcement against child marriage. They also warn of the long-term consequences for human capital development if this crisis isn’t addressed urgently.

Read More