Culiacán to Implement “Free and Safe” Program to Prevent Teenage Pregnancy and Violence

Culiacán, Sinaloa, has been selected to implement the “Free and Safe” federal strategy and program, aimed at preventing teenage pregnancy, sexual violence and early unions. The initiative will begin in April 2026, focusing on priority neighborhoods and syndicates within the municipality.

Program Details and Scope

The program, funded through the Fund for the Well-being and Advancement of Women (FOMBA), will be applied in 50 municipalities across 19 states in Mexico, with Culiacán being the sole municipality participating in Sinaloa. The strategy emphasizes direct action within communities to identify at-risk cases, prevent violence, and ensure adolescents live free from violence and forced pregnancies.

Priority Areas for Intervention

The federal strategy will initially focus on areas identified as having greater social vulnerability and experiencing higher rates of violence against women and girls. These priority areas include:

• Colonia Alturas del Sur
• Colonia Lázaro Cárdenas
• Costa Rican Audit Office
• Receivership of El Diez

Activities Planned for Communities

A range of activities will be conducted in these communities, including:

• House-to-house visits
• Workshops in schools for students and parents
• Training for teachers and health personnel
• Coordination with municipal authorities

Proactive Approach to Risk Detection

Ana Francis Chiquete, Secretary of Women, highlighted that the “Free and Safe” strategy prioritizes territorial function – directly engaging with communities rather than waiting for victims to seek support. This proactive approach aims to:

• Detect risk cases early
• Provide immediate attention to girls and adolescents
• Channel cases of violence to the appropriate authorities

Strengthened Protocols and Training

Health personnel have received training in Official Mexican Standard 046, which establishes protocols for the care of victims of sexual violence and the protection of sexual and reproductive rights. If a pregnant minor is found to be accompanied by an adult, a legal protocol will be activated, as this could constitute a crime.

Addressing Teenage Pregnancy in Sinaloa

Despite data from INEGI showing a decrease in pregnancies among those under 20, authorities acknowledge that teenage pregnancy remains a challenge, particularly in contexts of sexual violence, poverty, and early unions. The Ministry of Health provides specific data on teenage pregnancies, while the State Population Council (Coespo) generates estimates based on demographic rates. Variations in official records are also attributed to the high mobility of the migrant population working in agricultural fields within Sinaloa.

Federal Policy for Gender Violence Prevention

The “Free and Safe” strategy is part of a broader federal public policy focused on preventing gender violence and protecting the rights of girls and adolescents. The overarching goal is to reduce teenage pregnancy through prevention, early intervention, and coordinated institutional efforts, with a focus on areas with the greatest social vulnerability.