Some time ago, I saw a message on Twitter regarding the public inquiry by the JSCSSPA into the prevalence of teenage pregnancies in Trinidad and Tobago:
Today at 10:15 a.m., the #JSCSSPA continues its public inquiry into the prevalence of teenage pregnancy in Trinidad and Tobago. Be viewing Parliament Channel 11 to catch this meeting live!https://t.co/bGGp1Aj5vV
— TTParliament (@TTParliament) July 10, 2019
I don’t think the state can completely eliminate teenage pregnancies, and so education seems to be a better alternative. Teenagers engaging in sexual behaviour can hopefully make better choices as a result. Currently, one way to tackle the problem is through teaching abstinence in schools. This way seems to be acceptable to parents and religious leaders. Another way is by introducing sex education in schools, but this will surely raise concerns by parents. If introduced, parents should perhaps be given the option to opt their children out being taught in these classes.
In addition, there may be a concern that there are not enough qualified teachers for this subject. To this, I suggest that the material can be transferred via videos or through documentary. For example, discussing all aspects of sex education, from biology (ovulation etc.) to contraception, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and even to birth and raising a child as a single parent.
Teenagers who give birth sometimes glamorize parenthood, or put pressure on their friends that they are ‘missing out’. Sharing testimonials can help teenagers understand the tremendous difficulty and responsibility of having a child, and to think twice about taking this major step. Staying in school and focusing on education can lead to a better job opportunities and a better life later on.
There are also more drastic methods that can be used, through legislation. Should children that are born out of teenage pregnancies become wards of the state? Can the state afford to maintain all the children that will become wards in this manner? Can laws be passed that compel mothers to name the father, or be given a lie-detector or DNA test?
There is also evidence online that “children from single-parent families are more likely to have behavioral problems because they tend to lack economic security and adequate time with parents.” Children that are born to a teenage parent are very likely to become criminals, which can burden the state later on.
Perhaps we should also consider the issue of abortion. Should abortions be legalised here in Trinidad and Tobago? There are legitimate cases for abortion, such as a woman who becomes pregnant by a rapist not wanting to give birth the rapist’s child. I assume that back street abortions exist, which put the mother’s life at risk. Legalised abortion, administered by professionals, can help protect the mother while providing the most ethical way to terminate a pregnancy.
Crime continues to be a pressing problem in Trinidad and Tobago. Reducing teenage pregnancies can help reduce crime and poverty in our country. Even if teaching sex education in schools is not legalised, perhaps social programs to teach young people, or even social workers giving talks at schools, can help.