The Impact of Policy Changes on Teen Pregnancy Programs in Argentina

For the past three years, Silvia Alanis dedicated herself to educating high school students in a small northern Argentine town about sexual health. Her role involved teaching comprehensive sex education and providing teenagers with access to birth control. This initiative was part of a federally funded program aimed at addressing the alarming rates of teen pregnancy in the region.

However, the landscape of this crucial program has dramatically shifted under the administration of President Javier Milei. The president has openly criticized feminist movements, labeling them as a “ridiculous” struggle that undermines Western values. He has also controversially referred to abortion as “aggravated murder.” These sentiments reflect a broader trend of retrenchment in government support for women’s programs and a reversal of policies that advocate for gender equity and diversity.

As part of a sweeping austerity plan designed to tackle Argentina’s enduring economic crisis, Mr. Milei’s government has made significant cuts to initiatives aimed at supporting women. This year alone, approximately 600 employees associated with the teen pregnancy program were let go, effectively dismantling the majority of the workforce responsible for its operations.

Experts have noted that the program played a pivotal role in substantially lowering the rate of births among young women, indicating its effectiveness in addressing the issue of teen pregnancy. Ms. Alanis, one of the many individuals impacted by these layoffs, recently received a heartfelt voice message from a staff member at one of the high schools where she had previously worked. This message served as a poignant reminder of the connections she had built and the important work that has been lost.