Electing Pentecostal mayors means fewer sex education classes, more teen pregnancies

A new study in Brazil finds that cities electing mayors from parties linked to Pentecostal churches see a 40% increase in teenage pregnancies. This happens because these mayors cut sex education programs in municipal schools, leading to higher STD rates and more students dropping out.

This paper quantifies a direct link between specific political power and public health outcomes. It shows how a shift in local leadership can immediately change school curricula and, in turn, the health and educational future of young people. For voters, it means that local elections have measurable, long-term consequences beyond traditional economic or infrastructure promises.