| Item type |
Article |
| Subjects |
300 Social sciences > 304 Factors affecting social behavior |
| Division/Agency |
LPPKN - National Population and Family Development Board, Malaysia: Deputy Director-General Office |
| Keywords |
Teen pregnancy, Sex education, Contributing factors, Health, Circumstances leading to pregnancy, Abortion |
| Additional Information |
LPPKN is a collaborating expert partners for Positive Parenting. Positive Parenting is a non-profit community education initiative. |
| Abstract |
Teenage pregnancy refers to any pregnancy in women or girls aged 19 years or younger. In 2016, the Ministry of Health recorded more than 12,000 teenage pregnancies in Malaysia. The National Registration Department reported that 4,992 children were born out of wedlock to girls aged 18 years and below. Teenage pregnancy is associated with immediate as well as long-term health risks. It is also accompanied by a number of negative consequences that are detrimental to the well-being of young mothers – disruption of education, limitation of opportunities for self-development and employment, social stigma and increased exposure to violence and exploitation. This article examines some circumstances resulting in teenage pregnancy and explores ways to support teenagers who face difficulties resulting from unintended pregnancy. |
