Adolescent pregnancy in Colombia, 1992-2006: a conflict about sexual rights

Abstract

Objective

: To analyze the sexual and reproductive health policies in Colombia and their relationship with the persistence of adolescent pregnancy. Methodological framework: a social sciences approach was applied using qualitative methods. Results: Structural adjustment reforms imposed throughout Latin America in conjunction with the neoliberal model that systematically excluded many adolescents. The consequences of the policies developed from 1992 to 2006 left high rates of adolescent pregnancies and abortions. Adolescent pregnancy shows the failure of these policies because its effects generated public health problems in the country. Conclusions: The main obstacles to adolescents exercising their fundamental sexual and reproductive rights are: the Church, the neoliberal model and the state’s political power over women’s bodies. Recommendations: Bioethics proposes new initiatives in the development of reproductive and sexual public policies.