The encouragement of informed decision making in reducing adolescent pregnancies in South African schools

Abstract

Unplanned adolescent pregnancies have increased across South Africa over the past two decades. The high rates of adolescent pregnancies increase numbers of school dropouts and results in significantly reduced probabilities of success and emancipation for many girls. There are several methods that have been applied attempting to reduce unplanned adolescent pregnancies such as sex education as part of the life orientation syllabus, support services provided by school social workers, and visits by health care professionals are believed to be the most frequently used approach in South African schools. This study used indigenous research approach as it is an African study, the target population were learners across South Africa who are at risk of falling pregnant. The study sample were 20 participants consisting of  10 learners, seven educators, and three social workers from two schools with the highest rates of adolescent pregnancies in the country. Data was collected using semi-structures interviews and the researcher applied for ethical clearance from the University of Fort Hare. The aim of this paper is to explore the encouragement of informed decision making in reducing adolescent pregnancies in South African schools.