By: Katleho Sekhotho
In an exclusive with Kaya News, one teen mom says she regrets falling pregnant and wants to advise young girls to either abstain from sex or use protection to prevent pregnancy.
Teenage pregnancy in South Africa is on the increase with over 23 000 recorded pregnancies reported by the Gauteng Department of Health between April 2020 and March 2021.
Just 2976 girls between the ages of 10 and 19 years chose to terminate their pregnancy.
The 18-year old from Etwatwa in Ekhurhuleni is now looking for a job because the reality of caring for and raising a child is weighing in. Her boyfriend and father of her child is a matriculant who is concentrating on finishing school.
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[EXCLUSIVE] Teen mom regrets falling pregnant Natasha
With her plans to study further taking a backseat since her baby’s arrival, the teen mom said she wished she had considered contraception before being sexually active.
Her biggest worry is how she will provide financially for her baby as finding a job has not been easy, with a lack of support and help.
Family planning clinics are available to South Africans, however many noted a decrease in visits during the nationwide lockdown since March 2020.
Unplanned pregnancy is not the only risk of unprotected sex, and contraception is vital in the fight against HIV and other STIs.
Also read: Gauteng girls as young as 10 became mothers during lockdown



