The ongoing scarcity of condoms and other contraceptives is exacerbating the epidemic of teen pregnancy in Cuba. Even state-run publications concede that the lack of access to contraception, coupled with inadequate sex education and harsh economic conditions, leaves many young Cubans vulnerable to unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.
An article from the official newspaper Girón, based in Matanzas, warns that when condoms are unavailable through state channels, young people are left at risk, relying on the informal market or their family's financial means. "If protection hinges on the informal market or a family's financial capacity, it ceases to be a right and becomes a privilege," the article states.
The issue extends beyond just the availability of condoms; it includes factors such as pricing, distribution challenges, insufficient information, and a lack of confidence in health services, creating a string of obstacles particularly affecting adolescents.
Moreover, the article highlights the shortcomings in sexual education, describing it as an "unfinished subject." Although there are official programs, they often fail to reach young people with the necessary depth, continuity, or language to help them understand the risks and make informed decisions.
The silence within some families and the inadequacies of school curriculums further leave teenagers without the necessary tools to understand their bodies, set boundaries in relationships, and negotiate contraceptive use, according to the analysis.
Teen Pregnancy Rates Remain High Despite Overall Fertility Decline
This isn't a new issue. In April, data on adolescent fertility revealed that despite an overall drop in fertility, Cuba continued to see high levels of pregnancy among minors. Key issues highlighted were the scarcity of condoms and contraceptives and shortcomings in sex education.
In 2026, the Ministry of Public Health acknowledged that 18.2% of registered pregnancies in 2025 involved teenagers. The problem also varies geographically, with significantly higher rates in some eastern provinces.
Granma reported a teen fertility rate of 56.5 births per 1,000 adolescents aged 15 to 19, followed by Holguín with 53.3, and Guantánamo with 50.9. In Las Tunas, teen pregnancy reached 19% during the first half of 2026, three percentage points higher than the previous period.
The phenomenon also has a pronounced gender dimension. Grisell Rodríguez, representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Cuba, noted that teen fertility is also an expression of gender violence, with 99% of these pregnancies being unintended. Data from 2025 also indicated that in 64.5% of teen pregnancies, the partner was an adult man.
Government Measures and Ongoing Challenges
This year, Cuban authorities attempted to address the issue with new regulations. In May, Resolution 174/2025 was issued, aimed at organizing sexual and reproductive health services and strengthening teen pregnancy prevention. The resolution proposes, among other goals, that adolescents have access to at least three contraceptive options.
However, authorities have acknowledged that supplies still partly depend on international donations to acquire condoms, contraceptives, and intrauterine devices.
The Girón article also cites other social factors contributing to the situation: relationships between teenagers and significantly older partners, economic dependency, challenges in negotiating contraceptive use, lack of accessible recreational spaces, and fear of seeking medical attention due to shame or social stigma.
Furthermore, it highlights issues with supplies for early diagnosis, including cytological tests, arguing that resource shortages reduce the chances of timely detection of infections or precancerous lesions.
Supply difficulties remain evident. In July, the shortage of condoms in Cuban pharmacies contrasted with official family planning campaigns, while the healthcare system continued to rely on imports and donations to meet part of the reproductive health needs.
The most severe consequences have been documented over the years. In 2025, the lack of condoms was linked to unintended pregnancies and clandestine abortion practices among teenagers, including cases of young people resorting to dangerous methods and ending up in hospitals.
The issue didn't start recently. As far back as 2021, health authorities in Cienfuegos linked the rise in teen pregnancies to the lack of condoms and birth control pills, while in Artemisa, health professionals warned again in 2023 about the same combination of scarcity, early sexual activity, and low risk perception.
Addressing Cuba's Teen Pregnancy and Contraceptive Crisis
What are the main factors contributing to the teen pregnancy crisis in Cuba?
The crisis is largely due to the lack of access to condoms and other contraceptives, inadequate sex education, economic hardships, and social issues such as relationships with older partners and fear of seeking medical help.
How are Cuban authorities addressing the issue of teen pregnancy?
Cuban authorities have issued Resolution 174/2025, aiming to organize sexual and reproductive health services and enhance the prevention of teen pregnancy, including ensuring access to multiple contraceptive options.
What social factors exacerbate the teen pregnancy problem in Cuba?
Social factors include economic dependency, relationships with significantly older partners, challenges in negotiating contraceptive use, lack of recreational spaces, and fear of social judgment when seeking medical care.