#Dominican Republic #UNFPA #Teenage Pregnancy #Dajabón

Women Leading the Charge Against Teenage Pregnancy

The Dominican Republic faces a pressing issue with one of the highest rates of teenage pregnancy in Latin America and the Caribbean. With alarming statistics indicating that approximately one in four pregnancies in border provinces occurs among adolescents, local women, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), are spearheading a comprehensive initiative aimed at reversing this trend.

Context and Urgency of the Issue

According to a report by UNFPA, the socio-economic conditions in provinces such as Elías Piña heighten the vulnerability of young girls, where approximately 79% of households exist below the poverty line. This dire situation exacerbates the teenage pregnancy crisis, wherein the Dominican Republic reports 77 births per 1,000 women aged 15 to 19—which is significantly higher than many regional peers.

Empowerment Through Initiatives

In response to this challenge, a multi-faceted approach has been initiated to empower young women through education and healthcare access. Key among these efforts is the establishment of a network of “key houses” and primary care centers. Operating in local communities, these houses provide a safe and discreet environment for young women to receive family planning resources and education.

A Closer Look at Key Houses

Grismary Carrasco, a dedicated advocate, operates one such key house in the border town of Dajabón. With a focus on privacy and security, these facilities distribute essential resources such as condoms—averaging 190 units per month. Carrasco highlights the critical importance of these spaces, noting, “Our goal is to create an environment where young women feel comfortable seeking the help they need.”

Support from Healthcare Facilities

Family Planning programs are integrated within local health centers known as Centros de Primer Nivel de Atención (Primary Care Centers, or CPNA), which serve as the initial contact between adolescent girls and healthcare providers. Dr. Encarnación de Pula, overseeing a CPNA in Pedernales, emphasizes the reality that many underage girls engage in relationships with older individuals in exchange for material benefits, a perilous situation despite being illegal. The complex socio-economic conditions necessitate urgent action and intervention.

Enhancing Access and Awareness

To enhance access to healthcare, UNFPA has introduced motorcycle ambulances to facilitate transportation for expectant mothers in remote areas like Elías Piña. These well-equipped vehicles bridge the critical gap, ensuring that mothers can receive necessary medical care promptly.

Educational Programs and Future Aspirations

UNFPA stresses the importance of instilling awareness from a young age. In a bid to educate girls about their rights, Alicia Estévez runs a program called Building Dreams in Dajabón, where she engages with underage girls, teaching them self-advocacy and bodily autonomy. Estévez passionately asserts, “We empower them to understand that their bodies belong to them and no one has the right to violate that.”

Estévez’s initiative aims to reshape the future outlook for these girls, providing them with a vision of possibilities beyond early motherhood. As efforts continue, they represent a beacon of hope and a step towards eradicating teenage pregnancies in the Dominican Republic, fostering a generation that can thrive amid challenges.

Conclusion

As the country unites women through educational and healthcare initiatives, the fight against teenage pregnancy gains resilience. Supported by UNFPA, this holistic strategy aims not only to reduce the alarming rates of teenage pregnancies but also to empower young women to envision and create a more promising future for themselves.