Teen pregnancy remains a problem in South Africa despite evidence suggesting rates have fallen recently. This week Siyayinqoba Beat It! examines how the issue can compromise the future of teenagers as well as their emotional and physical well-being. Our CJs first talk to learners at a school in the Western Cape about their views on termination of pregnancy. We then visit a young mother in KZN who discovered she was HIV positive only when she fell pregnant. She decided to keep her baby and we learn how she protected her child from HIV.
For teenagers it can be difficult speaking about sex with their parents and teachers. The children at Kwekwezi High School in Du Noon feel that their elders do not understand them, so they hide their behaviour from them. Many are well aware of the contraception that is available to them, although they speak of doing stupid things when under the influence of alcohol, or being tricked into not using a condom because a boy refuses. In such circumstances it is no surprise that STIs are spread and teenage pregnancies occur.
Abortion clinics such as Marie Stopes are bound by law not to refuse an abortion to a minor, although youths are encouraged to first speak with an elder they trust. The children at Kwekwezi are aware of the option to terminate a pregnancy, although opinions on the issue differ. Some would not do it, while others look to their future and believe it is the best choice. One girl worries that abortion becomes a form of contraception in itself. Views differ on whether both parents should have a say, but the law is clear – men have no rights and the decision lies with the woman.
Young people who fall pregnant in South Africa are also encouraged to test for HIV, and for many this is when they will learn that they are positive. This is what happened to Thandiwe Mabuza, from Mbombela. Although she says that the father of her child could not understand, it was important for Thandiwe to know her status so that she could take steps to protect herself and her child. As her CD4 count was sufficiently high, Thandiwe was placed on a dual therapy programme which is now the right of all HIV positive mothers in South Africa with a CD4 count of 350 or more. This meant taking two pills, AZT from seven months and Nevirapine just before birth.
Thandiwe’s baby was given bactrim for the first six weeks before taking a PCR test for HIV, from which the results came back negative. The PMTCT initiative is a huge step in protecting babies like Thandiwe’s. All HIV positive mothers are entitled to therapy and those whose CD4 count is below 350 will be placed on a triple therapy program. Although HIV positive mothers and their babies can be protected, more needs to be done to prevent unwanted pregnancies from happening in the first place. One option is to re-introduce healthcare education into schools as a specific subject in order to educate and engage with young people who are most in need of this knowledge and advice.