Babies for grants ‘a myth’

The perception that teenage pregnancy is increasing due to the intention of obtaining a child grant is a “myth”.

Statistician-general Pali Lehohla says teenage pregnancy has remained steady, although it is decreasing among 19-year-olds.

Speaking in Pretoria yesterday when he presented the “South Africa Demographic and Health Survey 2016” report, he said the teenage pregnancy rate was at 71 per 1 000.

This showed little change since 1998 and fewer 19-year-olds had children between 2013 to 2016.

“In fact, among 19-year-olds, it has declined from 38% to 35%,” said Lehohla. “Teenage pregnancy is not increasing, therefore it is not linked to grants. We want to dismiss that myth. It does not exist.”

Lehohla handed the survey to Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, who also refuted the perception surrounding teenage pregnancy.

“The myth says that a lot of girls are applying for child grants but actually more than 80% of teenage mothers only claim child support two years after giving birth. Teenage pregnancy is not a South African problem but a continental issue,” Motsoaledi said.

The survey indicated that about 58.3% of women use some form of contraceptive, while the use of modern contraceptives remained at a steady high, Lehohla said.

“However, 18% of women continue to have an unmet family planning need. The use of the pill, injectable contraceptives and sterilisations has declined since 1998, while the use of male condoms for contraception has increased and now accounts for 15% of modern contraceptive methods used by women,” Lehohla said.

But the survey revealed that children born to very young mothers were at an increased risk of sickness and death.

“Only 61% of children aged 1223 months received all basic vaccinations and only 53% received all age-appropriate vaccinations.”

Mpumalanga has just over 10% of children aged 12-23 months who have no vaccinations, which is double the country’s average of 5%.

Motsoaledi said the province was excelling in vaccinations for polio but would be looking into the lack of other basic vaccinations.

The myth says that a lot of young girls are applying for child grants but actually more than 80% of teenage mothers only claim child support two years after giving birth.

Aaron Motsoaledi Health minister