On this bonus episode of Dear Law we discuss the disturbing figures that have been shared on the increase in teenage pregnancies amid the  COVID-19 pandemic. We have heard different reasons suggested by leaders to explain the rise in the pregnancies. Some have blamed pornography, others music. Parents point fingers at teachers and teachers in turn point fingers at parents. The President blames chiefs and threatens to hold them accountable for teenage pregnancies within their localities.  Many blame the girls themselves for having ‘loose morals’, ‘being a shame to their community’ without acknowledging that the law regards teenage girls who are pregnant mothers as victims of defilement who are not only in need of care and protection, but are also deserving of critical sexual and reproductive health services as provided for in law. It is clear that the Government has abdicated its duties and responsibilities to adolescent girls and is ultimately to blame for not only the rise in numbers, but for not providing these adolescents with the protection and services as victims of a human rights violation.

We also sat down with a young lady that was a teen mother. What changes does she think should be put in place to reduce the numbers?

This podcast was made possible by HIVOS and Leteipan & Associates Advocates.

Music credits:

Riverside -  Caleb Carden