Education Ministry notified after 17‑year‑old student confirmed eight months pregnant

A girl under the age of 18 who was studying in a school has become pregnant.

Reliable sources told Sun that the girl is 17 years old. She is an 11th‑grade student at the school. She is now about eight months pregnant. The child attended school last week.

It is known that this incident occurred on an island south of Male'.

The girl’s pregnancy has been confirmed and the case has now been officially reported to the Gender Ministry and the police. The school has also formally shared the information with the Ministry of Education.

No one has been questioned in connection with the case yet.

A minor’s pregnancy triggers mandatory reporting obligations under Maldivian law, raising questions about institutional response and child protection systems.

Under Section 37 of the Child Rights Protection Act, everyone is obligated to report suspected sexual abuse or neglect of a child to the police or the Ministry of Social and Family Development. Failure to report such cases is also an offence.

In addition, sexual relations with a child under the age of 18 is an offence under the Sexual Offences Act. Even if the child’s consent is presumed, it is still considered an offence. Pregnancy is treated as evidence of such conduct.

In such situations, it is the responsibility of the state to ensure the child’s physical and mental wellbeing. Pregnancy‑related healthcare must be provided without interruption.