GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO TEENAGE PREGNANCY UNDER SPOTLIGHT AT PASA CONFERENCE

By Pricilla Seamelando.

• The issue of teenage pregnancy took centre stage on the last day of the Population Association of Southern Africa Conference.
• While the discourse sometimes emphasised discipline, abstinence, and parental responsibility, policy has slowly shifted towards a rights-based approach, according to the national population unit’s Dr Neloufar Khan.
• Dr Khan highlighted how the country had built a strong foundation of policy and programme platforms, but that implementation and coordination remained uneven.

The pressing issue of teenage pregnancy and the country’s response to it came to the fore at the 15th Population Association of Southern Africa Conference.

The three-day conference, which came to a close in Pretoria on 19 September 2025, saw government and civil society leaders reflected on a wide range of issues.

Among the key voices was Dr Neloufar Khan, from the national population unit at the Department of Social Development, who unpacked the state’s framing, policy responses, and gaps that persist in addressing the challenge.

Framing teenage pregnancy

Dr Khan’s presentation, “Government’s response to teenage pregnancy in South Africa”, explored how different sectors view the issue.

She explained that government departments often frame teenage pregnancy as a social problem and moral concern tied to school dropouts, poverty, and intergenerational cycles of disadvantage.

“While official discourse has sometimes emphasised discipline, abstinence, and parental responsibility – reflecting conservative cultural and religious norms – policy has slowly shifted towards a rights-based approach,” she noted.

Civil society, however, remains divided.

Faith-based organisations continue to treat teenage pregnancy as a moral failing threatening family life, whereas advocacy groups and youth-led non-governmental organisations highlight systemic inequalities such as poverty, coercion, and lack of youth-friendly health services.

“Academics increasingly argue that pregnancy is not always the cause of school dropout, but rather the result of deeper structural inequalities,” Khan added.

Evaluating government’s response

The Department of Social Development recently conducted a diagnostic study assessing whether government interventions are relevant and responsive. The study examined prevalence rates, policy frameworks, service delivery gaps, and lessons from other countries.

According to Dr Khan, the research underscored the importance of recognising both the progress and limitations of South Africa’s approach.

She stressed that “our country has built a strong foundation of policy and programme platforms, but implementation and coordination remain uneven, particularly at provincial and district level.”

National policies and frameworks

South Africa’s response has been underpinned by a suite of policies. These include:

•⁠ ⁠The National Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Framework Strategy (2014–2019), addressing sexual and reproductive health and rights issues among adolescents.
•⁠ ⁠The pending National Strategy on Sexual and Reproductive Justice, advancing rights-based priorities for young people and persons with disabilities.
•⁠ ⁠The National Adolescent and Youth Health Policy (2017), mandating adolescent- and youth-friendly services.
•⁠ ⁠The Policy on the Prevention and Management of Learner Pregnancy (2021) from the Department of Basic Education.
•⁠ ⁠A developing National Roadmap for Teenage Pregnancy Prevention and Management convened by the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities.

“These frameworks demonstrate government’s commitment to adolescent health and rights. However, the test is whether these policies translate into equitable access and improved outcomes,” she said.

Programmes and campaigns

Government has also invested in programmes such as the Integrated School Health Programme, which delivers health education and services in schools, and youth-targeted initiatives like ChommY and YOLO.

Campaigns such as She Conquers and DREAMS aim to reduce HIV, teenage pregnancy, and gender-based violence among adolescent girls and young women.

Dr Khan emphasised that the Department of Social Development plays a leading role in prevention and early intervention, psychosocial services, and promoting intergenerational dialogues.

“These initiatives are essential, but they must be strengthened through consistent delivery and engagement of young men, caregivers, and communities,” she explained.

Implementation realities and evidence gaps

Despite strong policy architecture, Dr Khan acknowledged persistent challenges:

•⁠ ⁠Uneven implementation of adolescent- and youth-friendly services.
•⁠ ⁠Inconsistent delivery of comprehensive sexuality education.
•⁠ ⁠Variable access to contraception across provinces.
•⁠ ⁠Rising adolescent birth rates in many districts between 2021 and 2024.

“Multisectoral coordination is critical, but it remains difficult. We need tighter alignment between social development, health, and basic education at district level, along with stronger monitoring and data systems,” she said.

Looking ahead

In conclusion, Dr Khan reiterated that South Africa must now focus on strengthening district-level multisectoral implementation, ensuring universal youth-friendly service coverage, and closing data gaps.

“Teenage pregnancy cannot be addressed by a single department or campaign,” she asserted. “It requires an integrated, evidence-driven response that empowers young people, supports families, and tackles the structural inequalities at the root of the problem.”