Cozumel, Quintana Roo — The island municipality of Cozumel records an average of three pregnancies each year in girls aged 14 or younger, according to the latest sociodemographic data from the Quintana Roo Health Department.
Overall, there are about 267 pregnancies annually among minors under 20, prompting authorities to strengthen prevention, sex education, and support strategies to reduce the numbers.
Social worker Estefanía Cortés said official figures show that 99% of pregnancies occur in adolescents aged 15 to 19, averaging 264 cases per year. The remaining 1% involves girls 14 or younger, a group considered highly vulnerable due to the health, education, and personal development risks of early motherhood.
The Cozumel DIF system and the municipal government run the Comprehensive Care for Adolescent Wellbeing Program, which provides psychological care, medical guidance, legal advice, and social support to teen mothers, while also promoting their continued education.
Dr. Julio Pasos, a health sector physician, explained that “a pregnancy during adolescence can pose greater risks for both mother and baby, in addition to affecting school continuity and development opportunities. Sex education and access to contraceptives are essential tools to prevent these cases.”
Breya Martínez, a high school guidance counselor, noted that “schools play an important role in providing information and detecting risk situations. The involvement of parents and teachers is essential to strengthen preventive actions.”
Although Quintana Roo has seen a gradual decline in births to mothers under 20, authorities acknowledged that teen pregnancy remains a priority challenge. They called for strengthening comprehensive sex education, expanding access to youth-friendly health services, and consolidating strategies to reduce the incidence in Cozumel.
