Adolescent mothers' perceptions of reproductive health services in the Garankuwa area of South Africa

Abstract

The estimated number of babies born to adolescents younger than 16 in the Republic of South Africa (RSA) is approximately 17 000 (Mwaba 2000:30). These figures imply far reaching health, obstetric and social implications for the adolescent mothers, their babies,and their families, including their extended families. This exploratory quantitative survey attempted to identify which factors prevented adolescent mothers (aged 19 or younger at the birth of their babies) from using ontraceptive, emergency contraceptive and termination of pregnancy (TOP) services in the Garankuwa area of the RSA. All these services are provided free of charge at government hospitals and clinics throughout the RSA.