Pregnancies Resulting from Sexual Violence Against Girls
A study conducted in Maranhão analyzed fertility rates, pregnancy outcomes, and reports of rape among girls aged 10 to 13 between 2012 and 2022.
The data show 4,839 recorded pregnancies, but estimates indicate that the actual number may have reached more than 12,000 cases, representing a 2.5-fold increase when considering pregnancies that began at age 13 and ended at age 14.
The study also notes that pregnancies in this age group have up to four times more negative outcomes than those among women aged 20 to 29, including a higher risk of maternal and fetal mortality. Despite this, less than 1% of pregnancies resulted in legal abortion.
The results reveal stark regional disparities and suggest that many early pregnancies may not be recognized as a consequence of sexual violence.
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