Teen (16) shares her pregnancy story

The Gauteng Department of Health recorded more than 23 000 teenage pregnancies between April 2020 and March 2021, with 934 girls between the ages of 10 and 14 giving birth.

A total of 23 226 teenage pregnancies were recorded in that period, with 2 976 girls between the ages of 10 and 19 choosing to terminate the pregnancy.

In September last year, the City Times spoke to 16-year-old Fikile (not her real name), who shared her story about becoming pregnant and making the decision to keep her baby.

The teenager was eight months pregnant at the time and due to give birth in October.

The then Grade 10 learner admitted that falling pregnant at her age was a mistake and a disappointment to her family.

She said when she first found out that she was pregnant, she had mixed emotions and she considered aborting the baby as she feared that her mother would chase her out of the house.

“However, I also thought of the trauma I would experience should I abort the baby. When I told my mother that I was pregnant, she shouted as she was disappointed. She didn’t expect this from me and had big dreams for me.

“I had told myself that I would engage in sexual activities at the age of 25. Sometimes, I wish I can turn back time and do better.”

Fikile’s partner is 21 years old and they have been dating for two years. He has been supporting her through the pregnancy.

“He has recently found a job, which will make things a lot easier when the baby arrives,” she said.

The Chief Luthuli resident said is grateful that her mother and her boyfriend’s mother are willing to help her with the baby after giving birth.

“I plan to continue going to school even after giving birth so I can build a future for me and my child. I enjoy the tourism subject and after completing matric, I want to tour the world and get into business.”

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Fikile has been receiving assistance from Life Choices Pregnancy Centre since a friend recommended the organisation to her.

“Through the organisation, I have learned valuable skills needed for taking care of a baby. They have also taught me the importance of expressing my feelings, looking after myself and having a healthy relationship with my mother,” she said.

Fikile encourages young people to use contraceptives if they are sexually active.

“Don’t get into sexual activities for money. Always think of the consequences and remember that you don’t have to prove yourself to anyone.

“Men also need to learn that no means no. Don’t force young girls to prove their love to you by sleeping with you,” she said.

Life Choices Pregnancy Centre

Life Choices Centre manager Nelly Selete said the organisation aims to empower, encourage and equip women who are pregnant, women with children and women who have suffered an overwhelming loss through abortion, miscarriage or stillbirth.

Their services include antenatal, child development sessions and counselling.

Selete said the centre has seen an increase in the number of teenage pregnancies from last year as some of the young girls are referred to them from local schools and clinics.

“Poverty has contributed to this increase as some of these teens are from child-headed homes and the lockdown also had an impact as most parents lost jobs and some of these children date older men who can give them money,” she said.

She explained that when pregnant teens come to the centre, they offer them counselling with their parents and also their partners.

“We encourage the parents to support them even though they might be hurt and disappointed. We urge the parents to encourage the young mom to return to school and complete their matric.

“Support is very important, especially from home, school and within the community. Sometimes, talking also does help and we are always here to give them a shoulder to cry on.

“If you don’t want to talk, write your story in a diary, read your story out loud and you can also make changes. Being pregnant at a young age is not the end of the world; however, you should not repeat the same mistakes. As a woman, you need to have something to fall back on.

“It is unfair to blame the girl child alone; both girl and boy must take responsibility for their actions.”
Fikile would appreciate any donations of baby clothes and nappies.

The centre also needs baby clothes (six to 12 months), toiletries (mother and baby) and nappies (newborn to size five).

Donations can be dropped off on the corner of 5th and Cloverdene roads or you can contact 074 953 9106 or email admin@lifechoicesbenoni.co.za to arrange for delivery or collection.

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