Sexual violence, pregnancy and abortion during adolescence: Reality of Brazilian society

Abstract

Teenage pregnancy is linked to early sexual debut, low socioeconomic conditions, and sexual violence. In 2023, 32.5% of rape victims were between 10 and 13 years old, while the 14-19 age group accounted for 18.9% of the total victims. Therefore, this study aimed to systematize knowledge about the factors involved in sexual violence, pregnancy, and abortion in adolescence within the Brazilian context. This is an integrative literature review, conducted through a bibliographic survey of national and international databases. It was found that 11.9% of live births in Brazil in 2023 were to mothers between 10 and 19 years old, living in unfavorable socioeconomic conditions. Complications associated with pregnancy and childbirth were considered the second leading cause of death among adolescents. In Brazil, from 2020 to 2023, in 44.2% of registered rapes, the victim was between 10 and 19 years old, and it was shown that up to 15% of adolescents become pregnant after sexual violence. There is an association between teenage pregnancy and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and low birth weight. Teenage pregnancy is a prevalent problem in Brazil, especially among Black and Indigenous adolescents and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.