Unplanned pregnancy is a topic that is often stigmatized yet we must discuss it openly and honestly. For young people, unplanned pregnancy can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, and uncertainty about the future.
On 13 March 2025, the Campus Health Services, in collaboration with Student Representative Council (SRC) and Housing Unit, organized a pregnancy awareness event to address students on unplanned pregnancy which is a critical issue that affects many young people in higher learning institutions. Sister Bongiwe Sithole, Health Promoter at the University’s Campus Health Services, said that according to Stats SA, 65% of pregnancies between 2015 and 2019 were unintended pregnancies, and 36% ended in abortions. “In higher learning institutions, students are at a stage in their lives where they are exploring their identities, pursuing their passions, and building their future. However unplanned pregnancy poses significant challenges to their academic, personal, and professional goals,” said Sister Sithole.
This event was intended to empower students with information on what pregnancy entails, their sexual and reproductive health rights, and the implications of unplanned pregnancy. “Facing an unplanned pregnancy is an experience to be avoided, particularly by students as it often leads to anxiety and depression due to lack of support from the partner who is likely to deny the pregnancy if he is also a student. Academic requirements also contribute to a lot of stress for a pregnant student. These students fail to meet deadlines for assignments and generally have poor academic performance,” said Sister Sithole.
Sister Sithole had some advice for the students. “Contraception is a crucial tool in preventing unplanned pregnancy. Sexual and reproductive health advice and contraception services are available at Campus Health Services at no cost.” She said there is a wide variety of contraceptive methods to choose from. However, it is essential to remember that no method is 100% effective. That is why students must have an open and honest conversation with their partners about their reproductive health and goals. In the residences, a pregnant student is required to report to a Warden or Resident Assistant that she is pregnant so that she can be assisted appropriately when the need arises and emergencies that can be disturbing to other students can be avoided.