Reduction in abortions among underage females observed since 2010
Latvia Sees Significant Decrease in Underage Abortions
Latvia has witnessed a substantial decline in the number of abortions among underage girls since 2010, according to data compiled by the Central Statistical Bureau.
In 2010, 10 abortions were registered for girls under 14, compared to just three in 2023. Similarly, the number of abortions among girls aged 15-17 dropped from 279 in 2010 to 58 in 2023, with 43 of these being induced abortions.
This significant decrease can be linked to several interconnected factors. Improved sexual education in schools has increased awareness about contraception, sexually transmitted infections, and responsible sexual behavior, leading to fewer unintended pregnancies.
Greater access to contraceptives, including free or subsidized options for young women, has also played a crucial role in preventing unintended pregnancies that might otherwise lead to abortions.
Social campaigns and public health efforts aiming to raise awareness about reproductive health and promote safe sex practices among youth have been effective in reducing stigma and misinformation. These campaigns often encourage open discussion of sexuality.
Changes in societal attitudes towards family planning, career planning, and the timing of childbirth may also influence young women to be more cautious about pregnancy. Young people may prioritize education and employment longer, reducing early pregnancies.
Enhanced healthcare provision, including counseling and support services for young people, allows better management of reproductive health and informed decision-making.
Economic factors can also influence reproductive behavior. Economic improvements or challenges can both influence decisions regarding pregnancy. For example, economic uncertainty may deter early pregnancies, or better economic support systems might reduce pressure leading to abortions.
As of the beginning of 2025, 344,000 or 18.5 percent of Latvia's population are children under the age of 17, with the population totalling 1.857 million. Since the beginning of 2016, the number of children in Latvia has decreased by 8,800 or 2.5 percent. In 2022, 4,611 abortions were registered in Latvia, which is a decrease from 2010, and this number decreased further to 2,700 in 2023, with 2,700 being induced abortions. The total number of abortions in Latvia decreased significantly from 2010 to 2022, with 5,009 registrations.
This decline in abortions among underage girls in Latvia represents a positive outcome linked to enhanced education, accessibility, and societal support systems focused on youth reproductive health.
- In light of the decrease in underage abortions in Latvia, the role of expanded sexual health education in schools can be appreciated, as it promotes understanding about contraception, sexually transmitted infections, and responsible sexual behavior among young people.
- Improvements in family planning, including greater accessibility to contraceptives and mental health resources, have contributed to the reduction of unintended pregnancies and subsequent abortions among women of all ages in Latvia.
- Social initiatives targeting parenting, women's health, and mental health have been instrumental in fostering open dialogue surrounding reproductive health, helping to reduce stigma and empower young people to make informed decisions about their sexual and familial well-being.
