SIS calls for removal of stigma on teen pregnancy

 

Sisters in Islam’s Aleza Othman says Malaysian society generally regards pregnant teenagers as irresponsible, reckless and raised by incompetent parents. (AFP pic)

PETALING JAYA: A women’s rights group has pointed to the possibility that the recent stabbing death of a newborn in Kemaman might not have happened if attitudes towards pregnant teenagers were less harsh.

The stigma of shame attached to teenage pregnancy might have caused the young mother to kill her baby, said Sisters in Islam (SIS) communications officer Aleza Othman.

She said Malaysian society generally regarded pregnant teenagers as irresponsible, reckless and raised by incompetent parents. She called for the removal of the stigma.

“Generally, our society is punitive and judgmental, making teenage mothers feel alone and scared to seek support,” she said.

“Teens who become pregnant as a result of pre-marital sex are generally married off because they are assumed to have no future in education or to be no longer able to contribute to society.

“Rape victims who are impregnated are shunned by society.”

The 15-year-old mother was allegedly raped. Police say they have identified the culprit.

The girl is under remand for seven days to facilitate police investigations..

Aleza called for the incorporation of comprehensive sex education in the school syllabus.

“We need teenagers to be well informed about their sexual health and choice of contraception if they are sexually active,” she said. “We should provide support instead of shaming them.”

Women’s Aid Organisation deputy executive director Yu Ren Chung said: “We need community and institutional support for rape survivors as well as improved access to reproductive health education and services.”

In a Twitter post, former deputy minister of women and community development Hannah Yeoh said the 15-year-old required legal aid.

She called on the ministry to revive awareness campaigns and aid promotions carried out during the Pakatan Harapan era.

She said posters and advertisements telling people where to seek aid could be placed at R&R public restrooms, along highways and at pharmacies and through trailer screenings in cinemas.

“The idea is for struggling teens to know where to find help. Don’t wait to pick up dead babies,” she said. - FMT