Addressing the impact of teenage pregnancies due to sexual abuse: A case series

Abstract

Background: The national statistics encompassed 16,708 teenage pregnancies in 2019 in Sri Lanka. Adolescent pregnancy due to child sexual abuse is a global phenomenon with clearly known causes and serious health, social, and economic consequences. Police data reported 1,254 cases of sexual abuse, with 214 pregnancies in 2024 in Sri Lanka. Case study: Case 1: A 16-year-old child who was sexually abused by a relative of hers presented at 18 weeks of gestation; Case 2: 15-year-old child who was living together with her boyfriend presented at 10 weeks gestation following unanimous information to police for statutory rape; Case 3: A 15-year-old child who was sexually abused by her brother-in-law presented at the gestation of 23 weeks and Case 4: A 12-year-old mentally retarded child who was sexually abused by an unknown person presented at 19 weeks of gestation. These cass studies highlights instances of teenage pregnancies resulting from rape and incest in Matale, Sri Lanka. They were from the low socio-economic class. All of the adolescents faced significant social consequences, including financial hardship, disrupted educational opportunities, and intense social stigma. Teenage pregnancies can significantly limit adolescents' future opportunities and overall well-being, affecting their prospects for education, employment, and stable family life. These young mothers are also at increased risk of domestic violence, abuse, and exploitation. Moreover, teenage pregnancies are associated with adverse health outcomes for both the mother and the child, underscoring the importance of timely referral to appropriate healthcare services. In Sri Lanka, where abortion in cases of rape is illegal, adolescent pregnancies resulting from sexual violence may lead to unsafe abortion practices. According to the Ministry of Health, unsafe abortions account for approximately 25% of maternal deaths, highlighting a serious public health concern. Conclusions: This situation highlights several deficiencies in Sri Lanka's healthcare and legal services. Considering provisions for legal abortion in cases of rape and incest, improving sexual health knowledge among adolescents including family planning methods and emergency contraception, will improve the situation.