Over the past two years, more than 3,500 teenage girls in Serbia have become mothers, with 31 of these girls giving birth before the age of 15, according to data from the Institute for Public Health of Serbia “Dr Milan Jovanović Batut.” This alarming trend has prompted experts to call for comprehensive sexual education and preventive discussions in schools, aimed at both boys and girls, to address the increased health and psychological risks associated with adolescent pregnancies.
Dr. Ana Mitrović Jovanović, a specialist in gynecology and obstetrics, emphasized the heightened risk of complications associated with early pregnancies, particularly for girls under 15. She underscored the necessity for systemic education that includes both genders, noting that early pregnancies can lead to issues such as high blood pressure, premature birth, and other complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Dr. Mitrović Jovanović highlighted the importance of distinguishing between pregnancies in very young adolescents and those in later teenage years, noting that while the body may be biologically prepared for childbirth in late adolescence, the psychological and social challenges are significant, especially for very young mothers.
Psychologist Snežana Anđelić pointed out that while young people today have access to a wealth of information about sexuality and reproductive health, this does not necessarily translate into the maturity needed to understand the consequences of their actions. She stressed that mere information is insufficient; continuous support from family, schools, and professionals is crucial. Anđelić advocates for systematic sexual education in schools and the establishment of safe spaces where young people can seek professional advice, especially if they are uncomfortable discussing intimate matters with their parents.
The societal attitudes towards teenage pregnancy in Serbia also play a role in shaping public health policy. Historically, early motherhood was more common, but current health risks and the psychological impact on young mothers necessitate a shift in how these pregnancies are perceived and managed. Dr. Mitrović Jovanović noted that while successful pregnancies and healthy births are possible even for very young mothers, the psychological and social demands are immense, requiring robust support systems.
The data from “Batut” may not fully capture the scope of the issue, as it relies on reported cases and may overlook unreported pregnancies. Additionally, there is a lack of comprehensive data on the support systems available to young mothers in Serbia. This gap underscores the need for improved public health strategies and educational reforms to address the root causes of teenage pregnancies and support affected individuals.
In response to these findings, experts are calling for a more proactive approach to sexual education, emphasizing the need for open dialogues between parents and children and the integration of comprehensive sexual education into the school curriculum. Such measures aim to equip young people with the knowledge and maturity needed to make informed decisions about their sexual health and to reduce the incidence of teenage pregnancies in Serbia.
