Preferences of pregnancy versus termination of pregnancy by teenage girls in Madibeng District: North West Province

Abstract

An alarming number of teenage pregnancies have been recorded and this mostly amongst school-going girls. An outcry about this turn of events have both the education department and the society at large expressing concerned views. Alternatives amongst other like abstinence, prevention, adoption or termination of pregnancy do not seem to help the situation. The choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act 92 of 1996 (CTOP) came into effect from February 1997 which gave pregnant women up to 12 weeks of gestation period of their pregnancy a choice to terminate the pregnancy. This choice of termination includes teenagers who according to Children’s Act no 38 of 2005 as amended are considered to be minors. Teenagers are given a choice to either consult with their parents, guardian, family and friends if they choose to, but termination will not be denied even if they don’t consult with parents or guardians. The aim of this research was to find out why teenage girls appeared to prefer pregnancy and keeping their babies than making use of the policies and acts that are in place especially for this purpose. This study was conducted in Madibeng district in Brits. The research approach that was used was quantitative with a sample of 15 teenagers. The findings of this study do not present all pregnant teenage girls, but the views are those of teenagers of a small area in the North West province. South Africa’s other provinces may or may not hold the same views as the demographics differ.

Key words: Teenager, pregnancy, termination, abortion, gestation