MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko Addresses Misunderstandings on Consent and Teenage Pregnancy Prevention
The Gauteng Department of Health has clarified its stance on providing contraceptive implants to schoolgirls aged 12 and older, following public criticism and a surge in teenage pregnancies. This comes after Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko outlined strategies to tackle teenage pregnancy during her recent visit to Tshwane Secondary School as part of her Back-to-School 2025 initiative.
Addressing Teenage Pregnancy Rates
The issue of teenage pregnancies remains a pressing concern in South Africa. Gauteng recorded 31 babies born to teenage mothers aged 15 to 19 on New Year’s Day alone. The department highlighted the need for comprehensive sexual reproductive health education, parental involvement, and access to a mix of contraceptive methods as key strategies to address the issue.
MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko emphasized that schoolgirls, with the support of their parents, should be educated on available health services, including contraceptives, STI prevention, and abstinence. She also praised Tshwane Secondary School pupils for maintaining a low teenage pregnancy rate and encouraged them to utilize local health services.
The Backlash and Clarification
The department’s plans drew sharp criticism from human rights organization SECTION27, which raised concerns about the alleged compulsory use of contraceptive implants. SECTION27 warned that making contraceptives mandatory, even with parental consent, would violate constitutional rights to bodily integrity and autonomy.
In response, the Gauteng Department of Health clarified that its plans had been misunderstood. Spokesperson Motalatale Modiba stated that there is no intention to compel girls aged 12 and older to use contraceptives without their consent. Instead, the department aims to raise awareness of available options, including subdermal implants, condoms, oral pills, and injectables, while ensuring individual autonomy is respected.
The Integrated School Health Programme (ISHP)
The ISHP, a collaboration between the health, education, and social development departments, plays a critical role in addressing teenage pregnancies. Through the programme, school health nurses regularly visit public schools to provide health services, including reproductive health counselling, screenings, and immunizations.
For children aged 12 and above, the Children’s Act (2005) permits them to give consent for screenings and services independently. This ensures they receive confidential counselling and are referred to health facilities if they wish to access contraceptives.
Moving Forward
As Gauteng battles the rising tide of teenage pregnancies, the department’s focus on education and accessible health services is a step toward empowering young girls to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko’s initiative also underscores the importance of engaging parents and communities in fostering a supportive environment for adolescents.
By shedding light on available options and fostering informed discussions, Gauteng aims to navigate the complex challenges of teenage pregnancies while safeguarding the rights of its youth.
Also read: ’Don’t Dump Your Baby’: Rising Baby Abandonment Cases Spark Urgent Call for Awareness and Support
