DA welcomes drop in Teen Pregnancy Rate

The DA in the Western Cape welcomes reports of a decline in the teen pregnancy rate.

I will submit parliamentary questions to the Minister of Social Development in the Western Cape, Albert Fritz, to inquire which of the Departments programmes are aimed at addressing teenage pregnancies in the province and how successful the programmes have been.

Reports indicate that there has been a year on year reduction in the number of babies born to mothers under the age of 18. There were 3 316 babies born to mothers 18 years or younger in Cape Town in 2013 while in 2014, 2 936 of babies born fell within this category. However, in 2015, Citi Health reports that 69 908 births were recorded and of those, 2704 were born to mothers under the age of 18.

The drop suggests that the youth are more aware of the risks and consequences of unprotected sex and are becoming more responsible.

Sexual activity by teens raises the risk of HIV infection in light of apparent widespread practice of unprotected sexual intercourse by the youth. However, School outreach programmes play an important role in educating our youth and we urge school principals to allow health practitioners to engage and distribute condoms to the students.

South Africa loses many of its young people to HIV and AIDS each year and it is important for society as a while to play an active role in educating and guiding the youth around issues of sexual intercourse. We also urge the youth to take responsibility for their sexual health and practice safe sex if they choose to be sexually active.

The DA is committed to supporting healthy communities and healthy families, youth and children in the Western Cape.

Media enquiries:
Lorraine Botha MPP - 079 964 1216
Western Cape Spokesperson on Community Development
Cederberg and Bergrivier Constituency Head