Teenage Pregnancy

Find out about the Bulgarian attitude to teenagers’ sexual health, contraception and pregnancy...

Bulgaria has high levels of teenage pregnancy compared to some other European countries and abortion rates are among the highest in Europe.

Studies have shown that modern methods of contraception are still relatively unfamiliar among youths. Only a small percentage of teenagers use some form of contraception, the most widely-used are condoms and contraceptive pills available in shops and pharmacies in the country. Family planning services are available in health centres and hospitals.

Termination of pregnancy for a number of reasons is legal in Bulgaria up to 12-weeks after conception. After that, abortion is allowed only for medical reasons. The consent of at least one of the parents is required for girls under the age of 18.

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