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"The ACDP notes the HSRC report finding that teenage fertility has declined in South Africa. The HSRC definition of fertility however, does not include pregnancies terminated by abortion as they say the data is not reliable. It is not therefore accurate to say teen pregnancy has declined but rather that the number of teens giving birth has declined.

The report shows that pupils are more vulnerable when they drop out of school and more must be done to encourage learners to complete their schooling. The ACDP supports the idea of leave for pregnant learners as proposed by former education Minister, Naledi Pandor. In addition the proposed alternative matric exam will go a long way in addressing the education needs of pregnant learners. The ACDP would like to see facilities for pregnant learners where they can continue their studies and receive the support they need.

The HSRC reports that a majority of pregnant teens say they are pregnant because no contraception was used; The ACDP believes this does not fully answer the question of why teens are pregnant as they choose not to use contraception for a number of reasons, including the fact that they "wanted to fall pregnant", "were under the influence of drugs and alcohol" or "wanted to access a social grant" amongst other things. In fact, a need to love and be loved ranks high when interacting with youth.

The ACDP believes more guidance is required for girls and boys through parenting classes in schools and access to social workers is critical"