What was meant to be a regular trip to the mall ended in shock for a Malaysian family recently, when their teenage daughter gave birth.
They had not known that she was pregnant.
Teen gives birth in shopping mall
According to The Star Online, the incident happened in a shopping mall in Malaysia on 21 November.
The teenager had complained of menstrual and abdominal pain while the family was walking around the mall. She had then excused herself to go to the toilet.
When she failed to return after almost an hour, the mother went to check on her. What she saw was shocking to say the least.
Her daughter was carrying a blood soaked baby girl in her hands.
Both the mother and father had no idea that their daughter was pregnant. Upon realising the truth, they rushed the girl to the hospital and reported the matter to the police.
According to Penampang police chief Supt Rosley Hobden, both the girl and her newborn baby girl were being warded at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Mr. Rosley said that the girl had revealed her sexual relationship with her 17-year-old boyfriend, with whom she had broken up five months ago.
Apparently, police are trying to track down the boyfriend to assist with investigations. Since the case involved underage sex, it would be classified as statutory rape.
PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Teen gives birth: Helplines in Singapore
According to this report, the number of teen pregnancies in Singapore has dropped considerably, mainly because teens today are smarter about using contraceptives.
Abortion is legal in Singapore, and is allowed for pregnancies of up to 24 weeks. Parental consent is also not required for a teenager to have an abortion.
Even then, teen pregnancy remains a cause for concern, as teenagers are not emotionally ready to raise a baby. There were 359 babies born to girls aged 19 and under, in 2015.
In case of crisis, here are some organisations which can offer support and counselling:
- Babes Pregnancy Crisis Support Ltd: Offers pregnancy crisis service and support for teenage girls who are pregnant.
24 hour helpline: 1800–TEENMOM (1800–833 6666)
SMS: 8111–3535
Address: Babes Pregnancy Crisis Support Ltd
26 Jalan Klinik, #01-42/52
Singapore 160026.
Phone No: 6664 8591
Email: hello@babes.org.sg
- MUM–TO–BE Helpline (Thye Hua Kwan Moral Society): Offers confidential support to pregnant women of all ages in difficult situations.
24 Hours Helpline: 1800–MUM–TO–BE (1800–686 8623)
- Pregnancy Crisis Service (PCS): For women facing unwanted, suspected or unexpected pregnancies.
24 hour helpline: 6339–9770
Email: help@pregnancycrisis.sg
- Singapore Planned Parenthood Association Counselling Hotline: To help young people and adults deal with sexuality–related problems and concerns.
Helpline: 1800–775 8582 (Mon to Fri: 9.00am – 6.00pm)
Also READ: How this Singapore teenager kept her pregnancy a secret
(Source: The Star Online)