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Ajoke looked at her reflection in the mirror and felt so disappointed…She had been careful for 18 years and just lost her virginity to Paul, a 23 year old University student. He had said to take the baby to the father…had he forgotten that he deflowered her? She imagined the hurt and betrayal her parents would feel. She was the good girl so how could she have believed Paul? perhaps this was the end of the road for her.
Her father slapped her hard. Who was she deceiving a fake diagnosis of malaria? Only for the family doctor to declare she was pregnant. “My daughter cannot be pregnant at 17” Moto’s father had screamed at the doctor who conducted an ultrasound scan on Moto and confirmed she was pregnant. No more school! I can’t afford to be an object of ridicule!
While everyone went out, Adeola decided it was time. She took the pills and within 20 minutes, she started to bleed. The bleeding was light at first but soon it became heavy and she started to feel pain. She called her mother who rushed home to meet an unconscious Adeola. She screamed in pain, telling her she forgave her for being pregnant, that she would take care of Adeola and her child….Adeola survived but will always have the scar.
Atemar smiled at her parents and silently prayed to God to help her take care of them. They had been supportive even when she got pregnant 7 years ago. At 19 years, she had gotten pregnant for her then boyfriend, Max who denied the pregnancy. Her parents disappointed yet took up the reins for her and told her she can still achieve her dream o being a Mechanical engineer. Today, six years later, she graduated with First Class Honors and Max wants her hand in marriage…a decision she is not ready to make until she’s through with her Masters.
While Atemar was lucky to have supportive parents who accepted her and helped her through what must have been one of the darkest times in her life, we cannot say the same for the other three youngs girls. Sadly, this is the reality. Teenage pregnancy in this part of the world is considered a taboo, abomination, and often leads to stigmatization, abandonment and depression. Teenagers face this alone especially when family abandons them, or the person responsible denies. Most are left with no option than to terminate the pregnancy, commit suicide, and or abandon the baby while the few strong ones live in despair and from hand to mouth just to survive.
Having a support system would go a long way in preserving teenage moms, help achieve their dreams and create an avenue for them to speak out and not indulge in unsafe abortions.Teenage pregnancy should not be seen as the end of their lives or careers but rather a new reason to be the best.
Written by- OLUFUNMILAYO LAWAL