Cape Town teen pregnancies statistics decrease

Rentse Khiba

21 September 2015

The City of Cape Town’s Health Department is pleased to note a further decline in the rate of babies being born to teenagers.

In a statement issued, the city says, according to statistics, there were 3 136 babies born to mothers aged 18 or younger in Cape Town in 2013, which accounted for 4.4% of all births recorded for that year.

Mayoral Committee Member for Health, Siyabulela Mamkeli said, contraception is an essential human right and, by law, health facilities are allowed to provide contraception to anyone 12-years or older, without parental consent.

The City of Cape Town’s department of Health devised additional interventions to broaden its reach in the 12 to 18 age group.

This includes partnering with schools and other city departments for education and awareness programmes which include establishing a Prevention of Teen Pregnancy Forum to monitor trends and highlight concerns or challenges.

Mamkeli explained that the reality is many young children are experimenting.

“I would much rather use the proper protection than fall pregnant.” Mamkeli said

 Having an unplanned baby can have far reaching consequences for a young mother, with her potential for self growth and development being severely limited, Mamkeli added.