EC Health MEC concerned teens giving birth are facing higher risks for complications

JOHANNESBURG - The Eastern Cape Health MEC, Ntandokazi Capa, says she is concerned that most teenagers who have given birth in the province had complications because their bodies are underdeveloped.

Capa said this has led to the Department being sued when there are complications during delivery.

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Her remarks come as the department revealed that more than 100 girls aged between 10 and 14 have given birth between April and July this year.

Capa said the health facilities where these cases are recorded must report them to the police for further action.

"It contributes to the numbers of neonatal deaths, people that die whilst they are being born in our facilities, it talks about babies being born underweight as well ast the issue of acute malnutrition because if you get a 10-year-old, a 12-year-old giving birth, you know that child is going to be left with the grandmother."