The prevalence of teenage pregnancies in Cuba has remained consistently high over the last half-decade, with a significant escalation observed in the eastern provinces, according to data from the Gender Equality Observatory of the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI).
Statistics from 2021 to 2025 indicate that among girls aged 10 to 14, the birth rate slightly increased from 1.3 to 1.4 births per 1,000 girls. For those aged 15 to 19, the rate decreased from 48.5 to 43.2 during the same period. The ONEI report highlights that it is the youngest age group showing the most resistance to reducing fertility rates.
The absolute numbers underscore these concerns: births from mothers under 15 years rose from 381 in 2021 to 397 in 2022, reaching 419 in 2023, as reported by EFE. In 2024, the ONEI's Demographic Yearbook documented 11,962 births to mothers under 20, which accounted for 16.76% of the total 71,358 births that year.
Regional Disparities in Teenage Birth Rates
An analysis by province reveals that the issue is particularly severe in the eastern part of the country. For girls aged 10 to 14, Mayabeque leads with a rate of 2.2, followed by Guantánamo (2.0), and Granma and Holguín (both at 1.9), then Las Tunas, Camagüey, and Pinar del Río.
Among the 15 to 19 age group, three eastern provinces report over 50 births per 1,000 females: Granma tops the list with 56.5, followed by Holguín (53.3) and Guantánamo (50.9). Las Tunas, Mayabeque, and Camagüey also report rates nearing this threshold.
Challenges and Institutional Responses
The situation in Las Tunas is particularly concerning in 2026. During an August meeting of the Municipal Administration Council, it was reported that the municipality had a teenage pregnancy rate of 19% in the first half of the year, three percentage points higher than the previous period. The provincial rate hit 21% in the first quarter, with 70 teenage pregnancies recorded just in April.
Factors contributing to this ongoing problem include early sexual activity, inadequate sexual education, and chronic shortages of condoms and contraceptives at state pharmacies, a situation noted since at least 2020. Early marriages and relationships between adults and minors, more common in eastern provinces, exacerbate the issue.
In 2026, the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) reported that 18.2% of pregnancies in 2025 involved teenagers. In response, the ministry enacted Resolution 174, detailed in Official Gazette No. 40, which aims to enhance comprehensive adolescent fertility care, focusing on education, prevention, and support. The regulation mandates reporting all pregnancies under 18 to Municipal Social Prevention Commissions and ensures access to contraceptives in safe environments.
Despite these efforts, data from the first half of 2026 in provinces like Las Tunas indicate that administrative measures have not effectively reversed a trend recognized by the State as a major social and health issue, compounded by the island's economic crisis.
Understanding Cuba's Teenage Pregnancy Crisis
What are the main causes of high teenage pregnancy rates in Cuba?
High teenage pregnancy rates in Cuba are primarily due to early sexual activity, insufficient sexual education, and a chronic shortage of condoms and contraceptives. Additionally, early marriages and relationships between adults and minors are more prevalent in eastern provinces.
How is the Cuban government addressing teenage pregnancies?
The Cuban government has enacted Resolution 174 to improve adolescent fertility care, focusing on education, prevention, and support. This includes mandatory reporting of pregnancies under 18 and ensuring access to contraceptives in safe environments.