Teenage Pregnancy and Early Marriages in Kazakhstan: What Does the Data Show?
Zhuldyzai Iskakova, Chairperson of the Board of the Kazakhstan Institute for Public Development and Deputy Chairperson of the National Commission for Women Affairs, Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, commented on the situation regarding teenage childbirth and early marriages in the country.
On Teenage Birth Rates
The issue of teenage pregnancy and early marriages regularly attracts significant public attention. Isolated high-profile cases in the media and on social networks may create the impression that the problem is increasing. However, objective data show that Kazakhstan has experienced a steady decline in teenage pregnancy, birth rates, and early marriages over the past several years.
According to the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan, between 2021 and 2025 the pregnancy rate among girls aged 15–18 decreased by nearly half — by 47%, from 6.7 to 3.55 per 1,000 girls. Birth rates in this age group declined by 45%, while the number of abortions decreased by 38%.
Applying the international approach and considering the 15–19 age group, the trend is equally evident: the rate declined from 23.74 to 12.96 per 1,000 girls.
Importantly, data for the first three months of 2026 confirm that this positive trend continues.
These figures reflect a consistent improvement rather than short-term fluctuations.
At the same time, despite the decline, teenage pregnancy remains a sensitive issue and is under continuous attention of the Commission. In many cases, the issue involves situations of vulnerability, including violence.
Regionally, the highest birth rates among teenage girls are recorded in Zhambyl, Mangystau, and Turkestan regions. The level is higher in rural areas than in urban areas.
On Early Marriages
Statistics on early marriages also show a decline. The share of minors among all marriages in Kazakhstan decreased from 0.38% in 2020 to 0.27% in 2024. In 2025, the figure stood at 0.28%.
Early marriages have a pronounced gender dimension. In 2025, 583 underage girls entered into marriage compared to 61 underage boys.
In rural areas, the level of early marriages is nearly twice as high as in cities.
Early marriages remain a relatively rare occurrence and are not expanding in scale.
On Government Measures
Kazakhstan’s state policy aimed at reducing early motherhood is based on a comprehensive approach. The issue receives particular attention from the President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
The legal framework establishes a minimum marriage age of 18. Any exceptions are strictly limited by law.
In the healthcare system, programs are implemented to strengthen adolescent reproductive health, including the 'Analár Saulyǵy' program and the Roadmap for the Development of Pediatric Gynecology for 2023–2026.
Approximately 90 Youth Health Centers operate across the country, providing medical, psychological, and advisory support.
Educational and awareness efforts are carried out through school programs and public initiatives.
For the third consecutive year, the Government, under the coordination of the National Commission for Women Affairs, Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, has conducted the nationwide campaign 'Reproductive Health Week'.
The next phase of policy focuses on improving the quality of prevention and creating an environment where adolescents can access reliable information, support, and protection.