Karnataka: Mandatory Audit of Adolescent Pregnancies

In Karnataka, a mandatory audit of adolescent pregnancies among girls aged 10 to 18 years has been ordered by the health department. This audit will be integrated into the existing public health system to facilitate early detection and provide crucial counselling and preventive interventions. Convergence with other government departments will ensure comprehensive support.

Taluk health officers will lead audit committees, including various health and education officials, to conduct field-level assessments. Healthcare facilities, both government and private, are required to report all adolescent pregnancies through the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) platform. The audit will scrutinize details such as age of marriage, educational status, reproductive health awareness, and access to contraception.

Follow-up measures include specialized counselling, provision of contraceptive services, and identifying vulnerable girls for support, including medical termination of pregnancy where necessary. District and state officials will oversee the process, classifying cases and recommending corrective actions. Strict confidentiality and adherence to child protection laws are emphasized, with implementation within existing budgets.