The Karnataka government issued an order, making it mandatory to audit all adolescent pregnancy cases across the state to systematically track, review and address the underlying causes of pregnancies among girls aged 10 to 18 years.
As per the order, adolescent pregnancy audit has been made mandatory by the Taluk Health Officer (THO) for all pregnancies occurring among girls aged 10 to 18 years across the state.
"Adolescent pregnancy remains a significant public health and social concern with implications for maternal health, neonatal outcomes, and socio-economic development," PTI quoted the order.
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Experts noted that pregnancies among girls aged 10 to 18 years are associated with increased risks of maternal complications, adverse birth outcomes, school dropout and social vulnerability. Officials will examine multiple socio-medical factors, including age at marriage, educational status, awareness of reproductive health, access to contraception, and family vulnerabilities.
It will also assess linkages with schemes such as RKSK, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and school health programmes to identify service delivery gaps.
The government further directed that counselling services, including those through Sneha Centres, access to contraceptives, and targeted outreach to vulnerable adolescent groups, such as school dropouts, migrants and socially disadvantaged households, must be strengthened, PTI reported.
Officials are also mandated to maintain strict confidentiality in handling all cases, in compliance with child protection laws, while also ensuring adherence to legal reporting requirements.
(With PTI inputs)