Child Abandonment in Bolivia 

In Bolivia, child abandonment is a significant social issue. Reports estimate that between 10% and 20% of children live in vulnerable conditions, including institutional care. The main reasons for child abandonment in Bolivia include the following:

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Economic Factors

• Extreme poverty affects a large portion of the population, forcing parents to make difficult decisions regarding their children’s care.

• Lack of employment or sufficient income to support a family.

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Unintended Pregnancies

• Young mothers who lack familial or social support to raise their children.

• Social stigmatization of single mothers.

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Mental Health and Addictions

• Parents with addiction issues or mental health problems that prevent them from adequately caring for their children.

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Family Disintegration

• Divorce, separation, or family conflict that leaves children in abandonment.

• Domestic violence and abuse within families.

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Between 2020 and 2024, Bolivia had approximately 5,600 to 7,000 children living in care centers, according to various reports. These children face abandonment, mistreatment, orphanhood, and other social challenges. The country has around 196 care centers, both public and private, aiming to provide these children with shelter and protection. However, these numbers reveal only part of the issue, as over a million children are estimated to be at potential risk of losing family care due to economic and social factors exacerbated by the pandemic.

Moreover, 89% of children in these institutions reportedly have relatives who could potentially care for them.

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The abandonment of babies by young mothers is a significant issue in Bolivia, influenced by factors such as poverty, lack of sexual education, and high rates of adolescent pregnancy.

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Recent Data

• Incidence of abandonment: In 2024, notable cases of newborn abandonment were reported, particularly in cities like La Paz, where 25 babies were abandoned so far this year.

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Key Causes

• Adolescent Pregnancy: UNICEF data shows that 38% of malnourished children in Bolivia are born to teenage mothers. This is tied to inadequate family planning, with only 12.5% of adolescents using modern contraceptives.

• Economic and Social Factors: Many young mothers face economic hardship and lack social or familial support, worsening their situation.

These figures highlight the urgent need for better healthcare services, social support, and comprehensive sexual education to reduce abandonment rates and unintended pregnancies.