Out of 395 babies that made their grand entrance into the world on Christmas and New Year’s Day, 88 were delivered by teenagers between the ages of 15 and 19. A total of 187 babies were born on Christmas Day and on New Year’s Day, 208 mother welcomed their bundles on joy. Dora Nginza Hospital in Gqeberha and Frere Hospital in East London saw five babies — the highest number in the province — delivered during the period, while St Elizabeth’s in Lusikisiki and St Patrick’s in Bizana saw the delivery of four babies each.
Acting health MEC Bukiwe Fanta said this highlighted the ongoing challenges the province faced regarding teenage pregnancies, required urgent attention and comprehensive support. “While we celebrate the joy of new life, we must also acknowledge the challenges that come with it, especially for young mothers. “It is crucial that we provide adequate resources and support systems to ensure that these young women can successfully navigate motherhood while continuing their education and personal development,” Fanta said.
Children’s rights activist Petros Majola called for the state to investigate the pregnancies of underage children. “Soon we will accept teenage pregnancy as a new normal if parents do not wake up. “The state should investigate such incidents of pregnancy from these underage kids to determine if there is an adult involved as it could be discovered that a case of statutory rape has occurred and never been reported.
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“We understand that there is confidentiality between a doctor and patient, but Section 28 of the constitution of SA gives powers in cases of this nature to act in the child’s best interest as per Section 54 of the Sexual Offences Act. “We all have an obligation to report when we become aware of such incidents and failure to report is a criminal offence. Parents have a role to play here,” Majola said. “We must equip our youth with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed choices.”
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