Teen Pregnancy

Last Thursday, we talked about teen pregnancy in class. As we all have already known, United Kingdom has the highest level of teenage pregnancy. Then my pupils started asking me whether there is such problem in Malaysia. I told them there is, but it's kinda different. By different, I meant culture and religion wise. You see, in France if one gets pregnant when she's still a teenager, there are places to go to, like homes where they'll support her, and the government will try to help her by giving money depending on her condition. The parents will go beserk at first, but they'll finally learn to accept the fact that their teenage daughter is pregnant and will try to support her in the best way possible. So, I guess the rate of teenagers abandoning their babies some place else is very low. Plus, marriage is not really an issue here, they're allowed to live with their boyfriends without being officially tied to him.

Whereas, in our country, as it is a Muslim country, teenagers, well not just them, but women in general, who get pregnant before they're married is looked down upon. It's like they're a disease to the society. Religion and culture is such a big issue in Malaysia. I'm not saying that it's a bad thing, but when I come to think of it, they are the reason why so many girls decided to dump their babies. Religion is supposed to guide you and culture is supposed to be preserved within one's heart. They're linked together. You don't have to be pious to know what's right and what's wrong. Malaysians are usually seen as nice, friendly and kind, but I think nowadays, they are not anymore. They are harsh, inconsiderate and cruel. That is, from my point of view. What triggered the people to change from kind to cruel? I have no idea. Back to the main topic, girls, you should know that there are homes where you can go to if you get pregnant. The people there will try to help you get through your pregnancy. Sex before marriage, is already a sin, why add dumping and killing to your list? That's inhumane, hence the cruelty I said earlier.

Parents too, although it is embarrassing, disowning your own daughter is not going to solve the problem. They go to you hoping you'd understand but instead you throw them out of the house. When you've cooled down, why not try and help her. It's for the best and will definitely help lower the dumping babies rate. I know, I've never been in that kinda situation and I will never understand. But sometimes, you just have to see things from the other side. It may be their mistake for getting pregnant in the first place, but when they deliver and ditch the babies, it's going to be the parents' fault as well, for not being there when they needed them the most. And society, oh how they talk! We all know that our society is very nosy, so what? Nothing new about that. Just let them talk. All you can do is, pick up the dignity you have left and continue living your life.

It's sad to read dead babies found everyday everywhere in the news. We really should change our attitude and perspective towards these young mothers. They make mistakes, so do we, although different kinda mistakes. Nobody is perfect. Instead of insulting them, we should help them. I'm not saying sexual intercourse before marriage and getting pregnant are okay, but what's done is done, all you could do afterwards is help to prevent another mistake being made, thus forgiveness and acceptance.

But above all, USE PROTECTION!! Pills, condoms, anything you can get! You don't want to be popping out babies before you're ready. Open your eyes, we're not living in the twenties anymore. Play safe, girls. :)

Juliette xx
p/s : We've been married for 100 days today! ^^

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