A young Chilean woman faces a difficult choice between education/career and unintended motherhood, highlighting socio-economic pressures.

Unplanned Pregnancies in Chile: Why Are Young Women Disproportionately Affected?

Nico Varela in Culture & Society June 2025 • 4 min read.

"A deep dive into the socio-economic factors, gender dynamics, and sexual health disparities driving unintended pregnancies among Chilean youth."

Unplanned pregnancy remains a significant public health and social challenge globally, and Chile is no exception. While advancements in contraceptive technologies and family planning initiatives have been made, certain segments of the population, particularly young women from disadvantaged backgrounds, continue to experience disproportionately high rates of unintended pregnancies.

A 2010 study titled "Sexual, Preventive, and Social Trajectories in Unplanned Pregnancy of Young Segments in Chile" by Irma Palma delves into the intricate web of factors contributing to this issue. The study highlights how socio-economic status, gender dynamics, and access to sexual and reproductive health services play crucial roles in shaping the experiences of young Chileans.

This article aims to dissect Palma's research, providing an accessible understanding of the key findings and exploring their implications for addressing unplanned pregnancies in Chile. By examining the social, cultural, and economic contexts surrounding this issue, we can gain valuable insights into developing effective prevention strategies and support systems for young people.

Socio-Economic Disparities: How Does Poverty Increase the Risk of Unplanned Pregnancy?

A young Chilean woman faces a difficult choice between education/career and unintended motherhood, highlighting socio-economic pressures.

Palma's study underscores the strong correlation between socio-economic status and the incidence of unplanned pregnancies. Young women from low-income backgrounds are significantly more likely to experience unintended pregnancies compared to their peers from wealthier families. Several factors contribute to this disparity:

Limited access to contraceptive methods and information: Young people from disadvantaged backgrounds often face barriers to accessing affordable and reliable contraception. This may include financial constraints, lack of transportation to healthcare facilities, and limited awareness of available options. They also are less likely to have comprehensive sex education.

Educational inequalities: Lower educational attainment is associated with a higher risk of unplanned pregnancy. Young women who drop out of school may have limited opportunities for economic advancement and may perceive motherhood as their primary role.
Precarious living conditions: Poverty can create stressful and unstable living environments, making it challenging for young people to plan for the future and make informed decisions about their sexual health.
Lack of access to comprehensive sex education: comprehensive sex education includes not only information about abstinence but also information about contraception.

In addition to these factors, social norms and cultural beliefs can also play a role. In some communities, early marriage and childbearing may be seen as desirable or inevitable, particularly for girls from low-income families. This can create a cycle of poverty and unplanned pregnancies, perpetuating inequalities across generations.

Moving Forward: Creating a More Equitable Future for Chilean Youth

Addressing the issue of unplanned pregnancies in Chile requires a multi-faceted approach that tackles the root causes of inequality and empowers young people to make informed decisions about their sexual health. By prioritizing comprehensive sex education, increasing access to affordable contraception, and addressing the socio-economic factors that contribute to vulnerability, Chile can create a more equitable future where all young people have the opportunity to thrive.

About this Article -

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.4067/s0718-22362010000200006, Alternate LINK

Title: Trayectorias Sexuales, Preventivas Y Sociales En El Embarazo No Previsto De Los Segmentos Juveniles En Chile

Journal: Ultima década

Publisher: SciELO Agencia Nacional de Investigacion y Desarrollo (ANID)

Authors: Irma Palma

Published: 2010-12-01

Everything You Need To Know

What are the primary reasons unplanned pregnancies disproportionately affect young women in Chile?

In Chile, young women from low-income backgrounds are disproportionately affected by unplanned pregnancies due to several interconnected factors. "Sexual, Preventive, and Social Trajectories in Unplanned Pregnancy of Young Segments in Chile" identifies socio-economic disparities, limited access to contraceptive methods and information, educational inequalities, and precarious living conditions as key contributors. Comprehensive sex education that includes information about contraception is lacking. These challenges make it difficult for young women to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and unplanned pregnancies.

How does limited access to contraceptive methods contribute to unplanned pregnancies in Chile, according to the study "Sexual, Preventive, and Social Trajectories in Unplanned Pregnancy of Young Segments in Chile"?

The study "Sexual, Preventive, and Social Trajectories in Unplanned Pregnancy of Young Segments in Chile" highlights that limited access to contraceptive methods and information is a significant barrier for young women from disadvantaged backgrounds. This includes financial constraints, lack of transportation to healthcare facilities, and limited awareness of available options. Without affordable and reliable access to contraception, young women are at a higher risk of unintended pregnancies.

How does the level of education impact the likelihood of unplanned pregnancies among young women in Chile, as highlighted in "Sexual, Preventive, and Social Trajectories in Unplanned Pregnancy of Young Segments in Chile"?

According to "Sexual, Preventive, and Social Trajectories in Unplanned Pregnancy of Young Segments in Chile", lower educational attainment is associated with a higher risk of unplanned pregnancy. Young women who drop out of school may have limited opportunities for economic advancement and may perceive motherhood as their primary role. This lack of educational and economic opportunities can contribute to a cycle of unplanned pregnancies and poverty. Social norms and cultural beliefs can also play a role, with early marriage and childbearing seen as desirable or inevitable in some communities, particularly for girls from low-income families.

What steps can Chile take to address the issue of unplanned pregnancies and create a more equitable future for its youth, based on the findings of "Sexual, Preventive, and Social Trajectories in Unplanned Pregnancy of Young Segments in Chile"?

To address unplanned pregnancies in Chile, a multi-faceted approach is needed that tackles the root causes of inequality and empowers young people to make informed decisions about their sexual health. This includes prioritizing comprehensive sex education, increasing access to affordable contraception, and addressing the socio-economic factors that contribute to vulnerability. By addressing these issues, Chile can create a more equitable future where all young people have the opportunity to thrive. The study "Sexual, Preventive, and Social Trajectories in Unplanned Pregnancy of Young Segments in Chile" helps inform these approaches.

In what ways do precarious living conditions associated with poverty increase the risk of unplanned pregnancies, according to the study "Sexual, Preventive, and Social Trajectories in Unplanned Pregnancy of Young Segments in Chile"?

The study "Sexual, Preventive, and Social Trajectories in Unplanned Pregnancy of Young Segments in Chile" suggests that poverty creates stressful and unstable living environments, making it challenging for young people to plan for the future and make informed decisions about their sexual health. Limited resources, lack of opportunities, and social norms can further exacerbate the risk of unplanned pregnancies. This creates a cycle of poverty and unplanned pregnancies, perpetuating inequalities across generations. Addressing socio-economic disparities is essential for breaking this cycle.