Black teenage pregnancy: an African perspective

Black teenage pregnancy in South Africa and the rest of Africa is discussed. Problems of family disorganization are examined. An increasing number of, female‐headed single parent families; out‐of‐wedlock children; unwanted and abandoned babies; street children; adolescents with sexually transmitted disease and teenage pregnancies attest to this. Particular reference is made to a research study by Boult and Cunningham #op1991#cp of Black Teenage Pregnancy in Port Elizabeth.The study demonstrates that teenage pregnancy is associated with disorganized family structure; disregard of traditional cultural norms; low education; lack of knowledge and use of contraception and, a correlation between age at onset of menarche and onset of sexual activity. It is associated with a negative response to the pregnancy from the teenager, her sexual partner and her family. There is a lack of realistic planning on her and her child's behalf. Recommendations to prevent further deterioration of quality of life for “children having children” include gender‐specific and age‐related sex education, an upgrading of the socio‐economic environment and support systems; and more appropriate development policies.