A sharp rise in teenage pregnancies, 32 cases reported in just five months, has exposed the devastating impact of the breakdown in sexual education across schools, a new survey by the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) reveals.
A recent survey by the NCPA reveals a troubling surge in teenage pregnancies, linked to the collapse of sexual education in schools.
Specialist Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa said that in just the first five months of this year, 32 girls under 18 who were victims of sexual abuse became pregnant.
“This is a steep rise compared to only 11 cases reported in the entire year of 2023. This marks a serious social, economic, political, and health crisis,” Dr. Sanjeewa warned.
The data accounts only for reported pregnancies; many underage girls reportedly undergo illegal abortions, indicating a far larger hidden problem in society.
The findings underscore urgent calls to strengthen sexual education programs and child protection measures to curb this escalating issue, Dr Sanjeewa said.
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