Rising teen pregnancy linked to child marriage, rape — Osun health official

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

Adolescent Desk Officer at the Osun Primary Health Care Board, Mrs. Roseline Akinlabi, has identified key factors driving the rise in teenage pregnancy in Nigeria.

Speaking to the family planning media team in Osogbo on Wednesday, Akinlabi pointed to child marriage, early menarche, peer pressure, and sexual violence—including rape—as major contributors.

She cited UNICEF data showing Nigeria ranks among countries with the highest teenage pregnancy rates, with about 19 percent of girls aged 15 to 19 having begun childbearing.

Akinlabi warned of serious health risks from teenage pregnancy, including eclampsia, pregnancy-induced hypertension, infections, and other complications threatening both mother and child.

She also noted the emotional and psychological toll, such as unsafe abortion, physical abuse, denial of rights, and stress.

To address the issue, Akinlabi called for empowering girls, combating gender-based violence, providing comprehensive sex education, and improving access to affordable contraceptives.