Asia-Pacific News
High number of Malay teens becoming pregnant and having abortions
Jul 31, 2006, 3:22 GMT
Singapore - A disproportionately high number of Moslem-Malay teenagers in predominantly Chinese Singapore are becoming pregnant, having abortions and contracting sexually-transmitted diseases, published statistics said on Monday.
The figures have prompted the self-help group Mendaki to embark on an intensive drive during August to encourage youth to say 'no' to premarital sex.
The data from 2004, the latest available, showed that 434 Malay girls had abortions, forming about one-third of all abortions among teenagers in the city-state.
Of the 600 teenagers infected with sexually-transmitted diseases, nearly half were Malay, said the data in The Straits Times.
A total of 417 Malay girls gave birth, more than half of the teen total.
Singapore's population includes 14 per cent who are Moslem-Malays.
Mendaki leaders said the month-long campaign will include people of various ages to help spread the message: 'Say 'No' to Premarital Sex. It's Sexier.'
The message will go out via roadshows, radio talkshows, and the internet. Young people will be encouraged to pledge their abstinence.
Parents are also being urged to talk more openly to their offspring about sex.
© 2006 dpa - Deutsche Presse-AgenturCOMMENT
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