BKKBN Steps Up Education On Youth Reproductive Health

Yogyakarta, July 11 (Antara) - The National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN) is intensifying education on reproductive health of youth throughout Indonesia. "The public campaign on reproductive health will continuously be intensified because it is very important for youth," BKKBN Chief Fasli Jalal said here on Thursday when attending a function of the World Population Day. By having good understanding of the reproductive health, the young people are expected to be able to prevent themselves from free sex and unwanted pregnancy. Out-of-wedlock pregnancy could lead to illegal abortion which often threatens the young mother`s life. He cited HIV/AIDS infection, drug addiction and violence as other problems being faced many young people. The younger generation must be prepared to become healthy people physically, mentally, and spiritually because they are important for the future of the nation, he said. The agency organized a seminar on "The Empowerment of Girls to Prevent Teenage Pregnancy" in Yogyakarta, as part of the activities to observe the World Population Day which falls on July 11. According to UNFPA, about 16 million girls under age 18 give birth each year. Another 3.2 million undergo unsafe abortions. The vast majority � 90 per cent -- of the pregnant adolescents in the developing world are married. But for far too many of these girls, pregnancy has little to do with informed choice. Often it is a consequence of discrimination, rights violations (including child marriage), inadequate education or sexual coercion. Adolescent pregnancy is a health issue: the youngest mothers face a heightened risk of maternal complications, death and disability, including obstetric fistula. Their children face higher risks as well. It is also an issue of human rights. Adolescent pregnancy often means an abrupt end of childhood, a curtailed education and lost opportunities.