Adolescent Pregnancy in Nicaragua: Trends, Policies, and Practices

Abstract

Nicaragua has the second highest rate of adolescent pregnancy in all of Latin America. This reality coupled with the significant poverty nationwide and reduction in aid in tough economic times presents many challenges for this Central American country. Nicaragua, however, is unique for Central America in which it has a vibrant history rooted in activism and fighting for social and economic justice. The information in this chapter will provide a historical context, current psychosocial, public health, and medical conditions, in the country, and recommendations for future policy and practice. One of the major preventative factors in terms of maternal and infant health is access and quality of health care services. Women in Nicaragua who do not have access to good health services are more likely to suffer complications in pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Additionally, adolescents with higher educational levels and career aspirations are more likely to defer marriage and parenting until later on in life. Until 2006, abortion was legal in Nicaragua when the health and life of the mother was in danger. In 2006, however, the National Assembly of Nicaragua enacted and the president signed a total ban of abortion in Nicaragua. This ban includes any form of medical attention to pregnant girls and women that may endanger the life of the fetus, including treatment for cancer, HIV/AIDS, malaria, or cardiac emergencies. The law also makes no distinction between abortion and miscarriage, thus potentially violating the human rights of women who experience a miscarriage through no fault of their own. Finally, the law criminalizes medical practitioners who provide any treatment to pregnant females that endanger the life of the unborn child. Since the total ban on abortion was enacted, maternal deaths have increased. There has also been an increase in pregnant teenagers committing suicide.