'Delay first birth until 20'

'Delay first birth until 20'

JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Population Affairs Haryono Suyono yesterday appealed to young married couples to postpone the birth of their first child until the woman is at least 20 years old, to help with the government's family planning campaign.

"Besides, from a medical point of view, a woman is better prepared to go through pregnancy at that age," Haryono, who also chairs the National Family Planning Board, was quoted by Antara as saying.

The minister was speaking at a workshop on empowering women to boost the welfare of their families in Mataram, the capital of West Nusa Tenggara.

He suggested that various women's organizations could help in organizing vocational courses for young married women, specially in rural areas, so that they can acquire skills to supplement the income of their husbands.

He suggested courses on gardening, health care, nutrition and handicraft. (emb)