Concerns over teenage pregnancy following Christmas deliveries

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has called for intensified efforts to prevent adolescent pregnancy after more than 130 teenage mothers gave birth in public hospitals across South Africa on Christmas Day. This is about 50 more compared to 2024.

PICTURE: Pixabay

Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has called on teenage boys and girls, parents, educators, communities and social partners to intensify efforts to prevent adolescent pregnancy. Chikunga described adolescent pregnancy as a serious social and developmental challenge.

“It often results in interrupted schooling, increased dropout rates, limited economic opportunities, and heightened vulnerability to poverty and gender-based violence. These consequences affect not only young girls but also young boys, families and communities at large.’’

“Preventing adolescent pregnancy is a shared responsibility. Teenage girls must be empowered with knowledge, self-confidence and support to make informed decisions about their bodies and futures,” she added.

She stressed that teenage boys must also be actively involved.

“They need to understand that responsibility, respect and accountability are central to healthy relationships and life choices.”

Chikunga urged young people to prioritise education, personal development and long-term goals; delay sexual activity until they are mentally and emotionally ready; resist peer pressure and report coercion or abuse; seek guidance from parents, caregivers, teachers, social workers and health professionals; and access accurate, age-appropriate sexual and reproductive health information from clinics, schools and trusted sources.

She also called on parents and caregivers to create safe spaces for open and honest conversations with young people, while schools and community structures were urged to strengthen life skills education and youth development programmes.

The Department of Health echoed Chikunga’s sentiments

‘’ This requires collaborative efforts by all stakeholders to intensify awareness campaigns on Sexual Reproductive Health which includes family planning to empower adolescent girls and young women with health education to make well informed health choices to reduce the rate of unintended pregnancies which could also reduce number of unsafe and life-threatening abortions,’’ said Foster Mohale, National Department of Health spokesperson.

 

Done By: Mitchum George