A girl from Novosibirsk, still in the fourth grade, gave birth to an eleven-year-old boy. Tatyana Anokhina, who serves as Deputy Minister of Health for the Novosibirsk Region, told MK-Novosibirsk that this case marks the youngest motherhood recorded in the region over the past decade.
Officials from the regional health department noted that while underage births do occur in the Novosibirsk region, they are rare. On average, about ten girls aged between 15 and 17 become mothers each year in the area. The latest case involved a girl well below that age, underscoring ongoing concerns about adolescent health and safety.
Anokhina also confirmed that the newborn is healthy. The report does not provide information about the child’s father or the circumstances surrounding the pregnancy.
Medical professionals emphasize that the typical healthy window for childbirth is between the ages of 19 and 30. Within this span, a woman’s body is often best prepared to support pregnancy and fetal development.
Global health guidance highlights additional risks for young mothers. Data from the World Health Organization indicate that girls aged 10 to 19 are at higher risk for complications such as preeclampsia and other serious conditions, and their babies face increased chances of low birth weight, premature birth, and various neonatal health challenges.
In another case that drew attention, a 14-year-old in Moscow became pregnant eight months after being raped by a peer, illustrating how violence and coercion intersect with early pregnancy.
Looking ahead, there is ongoing discussion about how to strengthen safety and prevention in schools, including health education, safeguarding measures, and broader social supports that can help reduce the likelihood of adolescent pregnancies and protect young people at risk. The situation underscores the importance of accessible healthcare, age-appropriate sexual education, and robust community resources to support teens and their families.