Schoolgirl pregnancies in Libode, Transkei.

Thirty rural black schoolgirls were interviewed after they had given birth to determine the factors predisposing to pregnancy, which was unplanned in all except 1 and had disrupted schooling and caused parental distress. Twenty of the girls knew how conception occurs and 24 knew about modern methods of contraception, although none was used; many of them were misinformed. There was evidence of neglect by parents and society to counsel and educate young people about sexual development, conception, sexual relationships and appropriate use of contraceptives. The schoolgirls drifted, with a lack of mature decision-making, into sexual relationships. This study indicates that more extensive research is needed among rural black schoolgirls to determine the incidence of pregnancies and whether intervention is justified.