The lack of awareness about contraception is thought to be one of reasons for the teenage pregnancy figures, and at the same time this lack of knowledge is a contributory factor in the number of unsafe abortion which has increased. The WHO’s 2014 statistics estimate that there are 3 million girls, ranging from 15 years old to 19 years old undergo unsafe abortions every year.

China witnessed more than 13 million people undergoing abortion in 2013, according to the National Health and Family Planning Commission. In Beijing, according to a survey by the People’s Hospital on abortions at the hospital in 2012, 20%-30% of the 5,000 abortions conducted were on teenagers under the age of 18.

A report on China’s teenage reproductive health was published in 2015, claiming that more than 50% Chinese teenagers consented to premarital sex but had no knowledge of contraception when having sex initially. The report did not give an exact definition of the ages of adolescents but the country had stipulated that 22 years old for males and 20 years old for females were the legal ages of marriage.

While access and knowledge of contraception is seen by most as an importantfactor in reducing the rate of teenage pregnancies, it should not be viewed in isolation.

Marriage, pregnancy and childbirth are planned for some teenagers in some countries. People in many villages in China, for example, tend to prefer early marriages in order to ensure the continuation of the family line. Moreover, in some rural areas, there is a belief that a marriage witnessed by family members and relatives is legal. These handed-down customs often compel teenagers to having sex and giving birth early.

Pregnancy and childbirth complications have become the second highest cause of death among 15 to 19 year olds globally, according to the WHO. The 3 million unsafe abortions around the world each year contribute to maternal deaths and can cause lasting health problems to the girls who undergo them.

WHO, UNFPA and the World Contraception Day have long been aiming to help teenagers reduce the chance of becoming pregnant by promoting education about sex and reproductive health. Sponsored by more than 15 international non-governmental organizations, the World Contraception Day set up its websites in more than 10 countries to give people access to contraception.