'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)