Prevention and Management of Teenage Pregnancy

Teenage pregnancy constitutes a significant public health issue worldwide because it is associated with higher medical risks for both the mother and child. It also has serious socio-economic implications. Effective prevention and management strategies require a multi-faceted approach including education, empowerment, healthcare services, community involvement, and policy support.

South Africa’s rising teenage pregnancy rate following the 2019 coronavirus pandemic is a cause of concern and could undermine women human rights defenders (WHRDs)’s initiatives on women and girl development/empowerment. On 1st July 2022, the country woke up to a shocking revelation: ‘Girls aged between 10 and 19 have recorded 90,000 pregnancies between April 2021 and March 2022’2. The surge in teenage pregnancies poses a many-sided challenge, undermining the progress made in education, health, and socio-economic development. This problem not only threatens the well-being and prospects of young girls but also strains resources within communities and healthcare systems. Urgent and wide-ranging advocacy measures are required to address the root causes, provide support, and implement preventive strategies to safeguard the rights and prospects of South Africa’s adolescent population.

The management of teenage pregnancy is also a challenge.  South Africa’s 2021 policy on the prevention and management of pregnancy in schools is a laudable initiative. The policy ensures that a girl’s right to education is not disrupted or ended by pregnancy or the birth of her child. However, one essential consideration the instrument is not explicit about post-care delivery. Evidence suggests that young mothers in South Africa require improved access to affordable childcare options to continue their education

Through collaboration with the relevant government departments, civil society organizations (CSOs), community leaders, and health practitioners, WBA advocates the prevention and management of teenage pregnancy. This initiative comprises advocacy training for community care workers (CCWs) on the prevention of teenage pregnancy. Also, the initiative includes an advocacy symposium on the prevention and management of teenage pregnancy involving delegates from the stakeholders who are active in the reproductive and health rights of women and girls. These initiatives have great potential to foster a healthier and more empowered generation capable of making informed decisions about their reproductive health and future aspirations. The alarming rate of teenage pregnancies in South Africa is of paramount concern to the communities due to its far-reaching implications. It negatively impacts health, social fabric, and the futures of the communities. It undermines efforts towards gender equality and women’s empowerment. It hinders progress in education and economic development perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality. Teenage mothers often face increased challenges in completing their education and securing stable employment. By addressing this issue collectively, communities have an opportunity to defend the well-being and future opportunities of their youth.