Authors

Ayesha Khan

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

2000

Abstract

This report reviews research and findings on adolescents and reproductive health in Pakistan. The material is drawn from a range of national surveys and medical research, as well as information gathered by nongovernmental organizations. Although adolescents make up a quarter of the population of Pakistan, they are still a new subject for research. The characterization of adolescents for this review is individuals ages 10–19, whether or not they are married, sexually active, or parents. The discussion of the research material is based on the assumption that adolescence is a developmental phase, a transition from childhood to adulthood. Basic data on education, employment, and reproductive health among adolescents shows that they are not receiving adequate schooling and capability building to equip them for the future. Due to their relative youth, lack of decision-making power, and incomplete personal development, adolescents are ill equipped to handle the reproductive health burden they face. Policies and programs, as well as legal provisions, do not protect adolescents and need to be designed to meet the needs of adolescents without disrupting their development into adults.

DOI

10.31899/rh2000.1042

Language

English

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