Introduction
Currently, teenage pregnancy is part of our daily lives. It involves having a child before the age of 18. It affects all social classes, and its impacts are increasingly serious. Adolescent girls living in disadvantaged communities remain the most exposed to this scourge. Let’s try to list its causes and consequences. Is this a fact that can be avoided? Can teenage pregnancy be avoided?
Causes of Teenage Pregnancy in Madagascar
The main cause of teenage pregnancy is a lack of sex education, either because parents are not used to talking with their children (sexuality and reproductive health remain taboo subjects), or because children remain insensitive to family discussions. It should be noted that this scourge largely affects women with little formal education. This often affects children living in impoverished conditions: parental poverty, single parenthood (the father or mother raises the child alone); low parental education, and a lack of affection and/or support from those around them. Girls from these living conditions are easily influenced by the outside world and new experiences, hence early sexuality. Culture also contributes to the existence of this early pregnancy. Some parents marry these children off prematurely to better preserve their lineage. Finally, sexual abuse exposes young girls to increased risks of early pregnancy. In tourist areas, young girls are encouraged by their parents to become prostitutes. It is also worth noting that some young mothers are victims of rape and/or incest.
Early Pregnancy: Prenatal (during pregnancy and before childbirth) and Postpartum (after childbirth) Complications
However, the medical profession is increasingly recognizing that early pregnancy increases the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Furthermore, statistics show that most of these pregnant young women were not monitored by medical professionals. The children born to these young mothers are sometimes so fragile (premature birth and neonatal infections) that they are often lost. More worryingly, these young mothers are the most exposed to abortion, even though it is illegal in Madagascar. And because of its clandestine nature, abortion endangers the health and life of the young woman. The most serious and difficult consequence to overcome remains the negative reputation, which affects both close relatives and the victim. Surveys show that early motherhood reduces the chances of these young women going far in their studies and finding a good job.
The Crucial Role of Education and Awareness
Preventing teenage pregnancy is essential to improve not only child and maternal health, but also the standard of living of the individuals concerned. Given their fragile health and socioeconomic status, these young mothers become a burden on their immediate families. This worsens their already precarious situation. Therefore, even though Malagasy culture and most existing religions in Madagascar do not support the introduction of contraception, adolescent girls must be made aware. It is imperative to introduce children to sexual and reproductive education while taking into account their age, intellectual level, and morals, and using accurate and simple language. Young people must be encouraged to speak out so that they feel listened to and supported.
Conclusion
Today’s young people are sometimes insensitive to the advice of their elders, whether they are girls or boys. They are also not equipped to prudently take charge of their future. It can be said that everyone shares their responsibility in this problem of teenage pregnancy. If prevention is possible and more effective, why not raise awareness?
