Lifeline for teenage mums-to-be

Star: PETALING JAYA: Pregnant teenagers who are at their wits’ end as to what to do have several avenues for help.
The Government, churches and Non-Governmental Organisations offer counselling and shelters, but the problem is that not many people are aware of their existence.
Women, Family and Community Development Ministry parliamentary secretary Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun said pregnant teenagers can turn to the Welfare Department’s children division for assistance.
“The ministry has set up 104 welfare departments nationwide and there are sufficient Taman Sri Puteri homes in the country that provide shelter for pregnant teenagers.
“When the homes were first set up, one of the main objectives was to house teenage girls under the age of 21 if their parents were unable to care for them .
“However, since the amendment of the Child Act in 2001, only teenagers aged 18 and below were given shelter there,” she said.
Chew said placing teenagers in these homes, however, was the last resort as the welfare departments encouraged parents to care for their pregnant children and counselling was provided for both parties.
She said once the mother turned 18, the courts would decide if she was sufficiently independent to care for the baby and herself or otherwise.
Executive director of Shelter home James Nayagam said since the setting up of the home in 1994, some 15 pregnant teens had come for advice and assistance.
“We normally find guardians to care for the girls during their pregnancy.
“Upon delivery, the guardian would legally adopt the babies and the girls would leave their guardians’ home before continuing with their studies.”
He said if the girl’s parents refused to care for her during and after pregnancy, Shelter would provide financial assistance through the support group.
The Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) executive director Ivy Josiah said they provide counselling before directing pregnant teens to the appropriate organisations.
Council of Churches Malaysia general secretary Dr Herman Shastri advised pregnant non-Muslim teens: “If you are young, pregnant and troubled, you can go to a church where they will find organisations to help you.”