Unplanned pregnancies among young people in Malaysia

Baby dumping and teenage pregnancies are endemic social issues in a still
conservative Malaysian community. We are living in a community that assumes the
right to exercise judgement on and decide for the teens.
Between 2005 and 2011, there were over 500 baby dumping cases (of which 280
were found dead) in Malaysia. In 2012, there were 31 such cases.
The increase in the incidence of these cases implies that we have not nip the
problem at the bud with the current morality-based strategies, including practising
abstinence-based sexuality education for young people.
The community believes that by censoring information about birth control
(contraception) including condoms from teens, for example, these teens will not be
sexually active.
In fact, the rise in baby dumping and teenage pregnancies reflects a bigger issue
that we have at hand - the increase in unplanned and unwanted pregnancies. In
2012 (Jan - Sept), there were 370,567 cases of teenage pregnancies, the highest
was in Selangor (62,787 cases).
Although currently, we have policies in place on reproductive health, establishments
of baby hatches and half-way homes for teenage or unmarried pregnant mothers,
these are not the ultimate solution to the rise of unplanned pregnancies.
We have yet to address the challenges and lack of resources for young people to
get information and services (including contraception) and the challenges for most
young women to say no to coercion or discuss about birth control with their
partners.
These significant information that could have prevented unplanned pregnancies are
lacking and finally contributes to the desperation of frightened young mothers to
abandon their newborns, if not resort to unsafe abortion services that endanger
their lives.
Most of us associate sex with pornography and (sex) positions. There are even views
that if a girl knows a lot about sex, she is promiscuous; and conversely, a boy
should know everything about sex to prove his masculinity.
However, with all the normal discussions and assumptions we have about sex, we
often miss the other side of the island to ensure safer sex, that includes information
on:
Puberty,
Why it is best to plan for a pregnancy;

How to prevent unplanned pregnancies,

Reproductive and sexual rights and responsibilities,
Sexually transmitted infections,
Safe and pleasurable sex,
Where to get reproductive health services,
and a whole lot of topics!
What can we do today?
This article aims to point out that we can address this issue by openly discussing
among ourselves, and with teenagers around us, about the importance of
responsibility and safety before deciding on the engagement of sexual activities.
Whenever one is ready, there is a way to put sexy into sex by doing ---- this.
Whenever one is not, we can always choose to abstain, and these are the skills.
Sensationalising baby dumping and teenage pregnancies will not help reduce the
incidence.
With social media as a tool, we are able to spread more positive messages,
especially focusing on the prevention measures, and also reducing the stigma and
discrimination for the teenagers concerned.
If you would like to find out more on sexuality education and related workshops,
please visit the Federation of Reproductive Health Associations, Malaysia.
FRHAM is one of the leading NGOs in reproductive health in Malaysia and actively
work with parents, teenagers, young adults and marginalised communities such as
refugees, sex workers and disadvantaged youths in the promotion of sexuality
education.