In recent weeks, public outrage and confusion have swirled around the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill, with many misconceptions making the rounds, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like pregnancy and abortion. Here at Marie Stopes, we feel it’s essential to provide clarity and support our young women during such critical times.
The BELA Bill and Teenage Pregnancy: Clearing the Air
Despite widespread rumors, the BELA Bill has absolutely nothing to do with abortion. There’s been a lot of noise suggesting that the Bill gives teachers or schools the power to influence a learner’s decision to terminate a pregnancy. This is simply not true.
What the Bill actually does is empower the Department of Basic Education to create regulations around managing pregnancies in schools. These regulations are aimed at ensuring that schools handle learner pregnancies in a way that supports both the learner and her educational journey. The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act, a separate and established piece of legislation, remains the guiding law for all decisions related to abortion. Teachers, school staff, and officials do not have the authority to interfere in a learner’s personal reproductive choices.
Marie Stopes: Committed to Empowering Young Women
At Marie Stopes, we firmly believe that supporting young women through education and proper healthcare is key to reducing teenage pregnancy and giving them a brighter, more empowered future. The reality is that teenage pregnancy often interrupts schooling, derails dreams, and creates unnecessary obstacles for young women. Schools are places of learning and growth, and every learner deserves the opportunity to continue her education without the burden of shame or judgment.
We believe that by empowering schools to manage learner pregnancies with compassion and support, the BELA Bill can help create an environment where young women feel safe, understood, and guided toward making decisions that are right for them.
The Emotional Side: Why We Support Young Women in Schools
Teenage pregnancy is a deeply emotional experience for many young women. It can feel isolating, and often young girls are left navigating these challenges with very little support. At Marie Stopes, we understand the importance of surrounding these young women with compassion, understanding, and access to the right resources.
Our mission is to ensure that every young woman, regardless of her circumstances, has the opportunity to make informed choices about her body and her future. By offering sexual health education, safe abortion services, and non-judgmental support, we aim to provide these young women with a brighter, more hopeful future.
Why This Matters for Schools and Communities
Schools have the potential to be safe havens for learners experiencing unplanned pregnancies. When schools are equipped with the right policies and resources, they can make a huge difference in a young woman’s life. The BELA Bill’s focus on managing learner pregnancies is a positive step toward creating more inclusive and supportive educational environments.
By working together with schools, parents, and communities, we can address the root causes of teenage pregnancy and ensure that young women have the tools they need to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
Marie Stopes’ Vision for a Better Future
At Marie Stopes, we stand firm in our commitment to empowering young women. The BELA Bill may have sparked controversy, but the truth is, its provisions around learner pregnancy are about care, compassion, and ensuring young women have the chance to succeed in life. We will continue to support initiatives that aim to uplift and protect young women, both in schools and beyond.
By addressing the real issues and putting the needs of learners first, we can create a brighter, healthier, and more equitable future for all.
