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Data analysis by Costa Rica’s National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC) reveals a mixed trend in youth reproductive health. While the total number of abortions among individuals under 17 has decreased significantly over the past decade—suggesting improved access to health services—there is an alarming rise in extreme child pregnancy, specifically among 11-year-old girls. This duality indicates that although general programs may be functioning, there are critical vulnerabilities among very young age groups that require specific and urgent attention. From a public health perspective, experts emphasize the profound psychological impact these experiences have on young girls, whose incomplete emotional development makes them particularly vulnerable to stress, guilt, and trauma. Structural factors such as the lack of comprehensive sex education and poverty remain primary drivers of this problem. Therefore, intervention should not be limited to clinical management but must include robust psychosocial support, emotional validation, and the creation of family and community support networks to mitigate long-term sequelae. This article is relevant to the open data field because it illustrates how statistical transparency can serve as a foundation for more effective and sensitive public policies. By making data disaggregated by age and region accessible, governments enable the identification of micro-trends, such as the increase in pregnancies at younger ages, which might otherwise go unnoticed in national averages. This clarity of information facilitates accountability, helps direct resources to high-risk areas, and empowers civil society to advocate for evidence-based solutions, promoting more responsible, human rights-centered public management.

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Published on 2024-08-30

Open Data

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