Mysuru: Karnataka recorded 725 pregnancies among girls aged between 14 and 17 years from April to July 2026, according to state government data presented during the ongoing Assembly session.

The figures, updated as of August 5, were shared by Chief Minister D K Shivakumar in response to a question raised by BJP MLA S Suresh Kumar. The data shows that 17-year-old girls accounted for the overwhelming majority of the reported cases during the four-month period.

Of the 725 pregnancies recorded between April and July, 21 involved girls aged 14, while 56 cases were reported among 15-year-olds. Another 127 cases involved 16-year-old girls, while 521 cases were recorded among those aged 17.

17-year-olds account for most cases

The age-wise figures show a significant concentration among girls aged 17.

Of the total 725 cases recorded during the period, pregnancies among 17-year-olds accounted for nearly 72% of the total. The number fell considerably among younger age groups, with 16-year-olds accounting for 127 cases, followed by 15-year-olds with 56 and 14-year-olds with 21.

The figures provide an indication of the age distribution of teenage pregnancies recorded by the state during the first four months of the 2026-27 period.

The data also highlights the vulnerability of adolescent girls and the need for continued attention to factors associated with early pregnancy, including social and economic circumstances.

Raichur records highest number

Raichur district recorded the highest number of pregnancies among girls aged 14 to 17 during the period, with 100 cases.

The district-wise data also showed differences in the number of cases among younger girls. Hassan recorded the highest number of pregnancies involving 14-year-old girls, with three cases.

The figures across districts point to the need for localised interventions that take into account social, economic and educational circumstances affecting adolescent girls.

However, the data does not by itself establish the reasons behind individual cases. Each case may involve different circumstances, and broader conclusions require detailed assessment by relevant authorities and social organisations.

Overall numbers show decline

Despite the 725 cases reported between April and July 2026, the state government data indicates a decline in teenage pregnancies compared with the previous two financial years.

Karnataka recorded 4,579 teenage pregnancies in 2024-25. The number declined to 3,308 in 2025-26.

With 725 cases reported during the first four months of 2026-27, the government data indicates that the trend continues to require close monitoring even as the annual figures have declined.

The cumulative number cited in the data is 8,612 pregnancies among girls aged 14 to 17 during the period covered by the available figures.

The distinction between the annual totals and the April-July 2026 figure is important, as the latter represents only part of the current financial year.

Poverty and family disputes among concerns

Feminist activist and writer Roopa Hassan said teenage pregnancies are influenced by multiple social factors.

According to her, although incidents of child marriage are declining, teenage pregnancies can continue because of other circumstances, including alleged cheating, trafficking, poverty and family disputes.

She said children from economically weaker sections of society constitute a significant proportion of those affected.

Hassan, who is based in Hassan, also pointed to circumstances in which poverty or conflict within families may push adolescent girls away from home, potentially increasing their vulnerability.

Her observations highlight the importance of looking beyond child marriage when addressing teenage pregnancies.

Need for broader support systems

The figures suggest that reducing teenage pregnancies requires interventions that extend beyond awareness about marriage and reproductive health.

Families, schools, local authorities and social welfare agencies have important roles in identifying vulnerable adolescents and ensuring that they have access to education, counselling, protection and appropriate support services.

Economic vulnerability can also influence the circumstances in which adolescents live. Strengthening support for disadvantaged families and ensuring that girls remain connected to education could help address some of the underlying risks.

Where trafficking, exploitation or abuse is suspected, appropriate authorities need to respond through established legal and child-protection mechanisms.

Data highlights continuing concern

The decline from 4,579 teenage pregnancies in 2024-25 to 3,308 in 2025-26 represents a reduction in the reported annual numbers. However, the 725 cases recorded between April and July 2026 show that adolescent pregnancies remain a significant social and public health concern in Karnataka.

The high proportion of cases involving 17-year-olds also indicates the importance of targeted adolescent support during the later teenage years.

At the same time, the comparatively smaller number of cases among 14-year-olds makes every reported case involving younger adolescents particularly important from a child-protection perspective.

The government data provides a snapshot of the situation, but understanding the causes and designing effective interventions will require district-level analysis of individual cases and the social circumstances surrounding them.

Focus needed on vulnerable adolescents

The figures presented in the Assembly underline the need for continued efforts to protect adolescents from circumstances that can result in early pregnancy.

Addressing poverty, family instability, school dropouts, exploitation and trafficking, alongside access to appropriate health and counselling services, could form part of a broader strategy.

While the decline in annual teenage pregnancy figures is encouraging, the continuing cases demonstrate that sustained intervention is necessary. Ensuring that vulnerable girls have access to education, protection and support remains crucial to reducing adolescent pregnancies further.