The deadline for comments on a policy that seeks to educate learners about abortion and pregnancy prevention methods as part of the school curriculum, has been extended until 30 July.
‘The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has extended the deadline for written submissions on the national policy on the prevention and management of learner pregnancy in schools,’ the department said in a statement.
Earlier this year the department invited comments from stakeholder bodies and members of the public on the policy.
The policy aims to address the high rate of pregnancies in schools.
It seeks to ensure accessibility of information on prevention, choice of termination of pregnancies, care, counselling and support, among others.
‘Learner pregnancies in South Africa has become a major social, systemic and fiscal challenge, not only for the basic education sector but, crucially, for national development in general,’ the department said.
‘It impacts the lives of many young people, often limiting their personal growth, the pursuit of rewarding careers and their ambitions. It also also has an incalculable impact on the country’s socio-economic systems.’
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