Government Regulation (PP) Number 28 of 2024, a reproductive health policy on contraception among students, has been approved by Indonesian President Widodo.
This policy aims to address the challenges of Adolescent pregnancy through better access to contraception and sexual education.
Health Issues of Adolescent Pregnancy
Adolescent pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs in a woman under the age of 18 at the time her pregnancy ends. This age is based on the latest Child Protection Act. Adolescent pregnancy can occur due to a variety of factors, including risky sexual behaviour, teenage marriage, and low levels of education in the community.
Adolescent pregnancy is a complex issue with significant impacts on public health. Pregnant teenagers face higher health risks, such as pregnancy and childbirth complications, as well as mental health issues such as stress and depression. Pregnancy at a young age also often interferes with education and employment opportunities, which can lead to long-term impacts on economic and social well-being.
Implementation of Government Regulation (PP) Number 28 of 2024
Government Regulation (PP) Number 28 of 2024 aims to address this issue by providing better access to contraceptives and sexual education. This policy includes:
Improved Contraceptive Access: Providing adolescents with a range of contraceptive methods, including birth control pills, condoms, injections, and implants, through affordable and accessible health facilities.
Comprehensive Sexual Education: Provide in-depth sexual education in schools and health centres to improve adolescents’ understanding of reproductive health and contraceptive use.
Family-Based Approach: Encourage parental involvement in education and decisions related to their child’s reproductive health.
Contraceptive Access Procedures
To ensure the effectiveness of the PP, adolescents must follow several important steps to obtain contraceptives:
Reproductive Health Counselling: Adolescents should undergo counselling to understand the different contraceptive methods, their benefits, and potential side effects. This counselling also includes education on reproductive health in general.
Parental or Guardian Consent: This policy requires parental or guardian consent to ensure family support in decisions related to adolescent reproductive health. This consent aims to involve the family in the process and reduce stigma.
Medical Examination: Before obtaining contraception, adolescents will undergo a medical examination to ensure the method chosen is suitable for their health condition.
Role of schools and health centres
Schools and health centres play an important role in the implementation of this policy:
Schools: Provide thorough and accurate sexual education to students, including information on contraception and reproductive health.
Health centres: Provide contraceptive services and health support, and conduct monitoring and evaluation to ensure equitable and effective access.
Prevention of Pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are a range of infections that can pass from one person to another through sexual contact. STIs can be caused by bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic infections and can be spread through sexual intercourse, whether vaginal, anal or oral. STIs can also occur through blood transfusions or sharing needles and syringes with a patient.
Contraception plays an important role in the prevention of unplanned pregnancy and STIs. Effective contraceptive methods such as birth control pills, injections, and implants can help adolescents prevent pregnancy with high success rates. In addition, condom use can protect against STIs, which is important for long-term reproductive health.
Mental and Social Health
Access to contraception and sexual education can reduce stress and anxiety related to unplanned pregnancies. By controlling pregnancy, adolescents have a better chance of continuing their education and reaching their potential, which has a positive impact on their social and economic well-being. Proper education and support can also increase teenagers’ confidence in making healthy decisions.
Side Effects of Hormonal Contraception
Hormonal contraceptives such as birth control pills and injections can cause side effects including nausea, headaches, and weight changes. These side effects are generally temporary, but it is important for teens to undergo regular health check-ups to monitor and manage side effects. In addition, long-term use of hormonal contraceptives can increase the risk of conditions such as thrombosis, which requires medical supervision.
Influence on Sexual Behaviour
Better access to contraception may affect the sexual behaviour of adolescents. While contraception can reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy, it is important to balance this with comprehensive education about the risks and responsibilities associated with sexuality. Good education will help adolescents make more informed and safe decisions about their reproductive health.
Comprehensive Sexual Education
In-depth sexual education in schools is key to supporting this policy. This should include clear information about different contraceptive methods, how to use them, and their risks and benefits. Good education will equip adolescents with the knowledge they need to make healthy and responsible decisions.
Family and Community Support
Support from families and communities is crucial for the successful implementation of this policy. Parents need to be actively involved in their children’s reproductive health education and support. In addition, the community needs to reduce stigma related to contraception and sexual health so that adolescents feel comfortable in seeking help and information.
Towards Successful and Sustainable Implementation
Government Regulation (PP) Number 28 of 2024 is an important step in addressing the challenge of Adolescent pregnancy in Indonesia. By providing better access to contraception and sexual education, this policy has the potential to reduce Adolescent pregnancy rates and improve overall reproductive health. The success of this policy requires careful implementation, comprehensive education, and support from families and communities. With the right approach and solid collaboration, it is hoped that this policy can bring positive changes to the health and well-being of adolescents in Indonesia.
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