The All Women’s Action Society (Awam) would like to congratulate the Malacca state for starting to be concerned about teenager pregnancy as well as their education.

However, Awam cannot support the idea of Malacca Chief Minister Mohd. Ali Rustam setting up a special school for teenagers that got pregnant either as the result of marriage or out of wedlock.

Under Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) Article 26 (1) clearly states that ‘Everyone has the right to education’ and (2) stated that ‘education shall be directed to full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

On this basis we cannot agree with Ali Rustam’s suggestion where teenagers are to be isolated because of their pregnancy. The isolation is because of the stigmatisation of the society and further punishes them in a different manner and this is against the article 26(2).

The reason for having a special school is to let the pregnant teenagers finish their studies, but students in this school will face a lot prejudice and stigma due to how society looks at these ‘special schools’.

Choices must be made available for them to continue their studies and not limit their choices because of pregnancy. Do not punish them by isolating them and make them go though the entire stigma by providing limited choices.

Awam also upholds the UDHR Article 16 (2) Marriage where a person shall enter into a marriage only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses. With that Awam also opposes the chief minister of Malacca’s suggestion that marriage is the solution to teen pregnancy and is a way to avoid abandoned babies.

However, since our country has ratified the Child Rights Convention (CRC), the government’s obligation is to provide, fulfill and protect every child’s right equally regardless whether they are pregnant or not.

Marriage is not a solution when this is not a free and fully consented choice as it might create more abuse and violation of human rights.

With that, Awam would like to call the government’s attention to seriously look into the reasons of teenage pregnancy and not just react to the consequences. We should look into proper education that teaches teenagers to be responsible and be fully aware of the consequences of every action they make.

The writer is president, All Women’s Action Society.