KUALA LUMPUR: Teenage girls facing in out-of-wedlock pregnancies will continue to receive support to ensure they return to school and sit for the SPM examination, says the Education Minister.
Fadhlina Sidek (pic) said these students must be given every opportunity to continue their education and avoid dropping out of the school system.
“They should return to their studies after completing their confinement period. I am very firm on this matter.
“There can be no shortcuts in life because education is key to breaking the cycle of violence and rebuilding one’s future.
“The ministry will usually assist these students to return to school, and ensure they are able to sit for the SPM without disruption to their education,” she said in a Facebook post yesterday, Bernama reported.
Fadhlina said teenage pregnancy should be addressed through a support, protection and education-based approach to safeguard the welfare of both mother and child.
She said once a pregnancy was discovered, the teenager should be taken to the nearest health clinic or rural health centre to register for maternal healthcare and open a pregnancy health record or the “pink book”.
“The priority must be the pregnancy and the health of the young girl. The younger the teenager, the greater the risks to both her pregnancy and her health. The government healthcare system is fully equipped and has the expertise to manage these cases,” she said.
The minister also advised parents to lodge a police report and arrange counselling support immediately so that the teenager has access to appropriate follow-up action.
Fadhlina also shared a media report of a young mother who pleaded guilty to causing the death of her baby in Johor on Wednesday.
She said the case was particularly distressing to her as a former activist involved in setting up Bayt Al-Rahmah, a shelter for girls facing out-of-wedlock pregnancies.
Addressing challenges faced by parents and feelings of shame and anger, Fadhlina said institutions such as Bayt Al-Rahmah played an important role in providing a safe environment and protection for expectant mothers until childbirth.
“The government also provides similar support services through the Social Welfare Department, which offers shelter and protection under government-run institutions,” she said.
Fadhlina said the post-partum period is a critical phase that could lead to depression or other mental health complications if adequate care is not provided.
Comprehensive support, including healthcare, breastfeeding assistance and continuous counselling, she pointed out, is essential in ensuring that young mothers did not face overwhelming stress.
“There are many young girls out there who are frightened and worried about their pregnancies. What is far more important is that we adopt preventive and supportive approaches when seeking solutions to this social issue.
“We can save the lives of both mothers and children by acting early, trusting the system and building strong support networks within our communities,” she added.
