Minors aged 15 and above may be allowed to access contraceptive services without parental consent

By The Inspirer.

A new draft law on healthcare services, currently under review, may allow individuals aged 15 and above to access contraceptive services and other reproductive health services without the need for parental or guardian consent.

Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana explained that, although current laws limit access to reproductive health services to individuals of legal age (18 years and above), the new law aims to address the challenges faced by adolescents and young people, particularly with regard to unintended pregnancies. He highlighted that restricted access to sexual and reproductive health information and services is a major contributor to the rise in unplanned pregnancies among teenagers.

Dr. Nsanzimana made the announcement on November 5, 2024, during his presentation of the draft bill to the Rwandan Parliament’s Lower Chamber. The new law proposes that individuals aged 15 and above can independently seek sexual and reproductive health information and services.

The proposed law defines “legal age” as 15 years, contrary to the existing definition of adulthood, which is 18 years. The minister emphasized that everyone has the right to access reproductive health services and information without discrimination.

He explained that while existing laws restrict minors from making decisions about their reproductive health, this often prevents them from accessing critical information and services. As a result, young people, particularly those under the age of 18, are left vulnerable to unintended pregnancies and the associated health risks.

Deputy Veneranda Uwamariya raised concerns about the lack of research showing a direct correlation between unplanned pregnancies among adolescents and the unavailability of reproductive health services. She called for more studies to better understand this issue.

In response, Dr. Nsanzimana shared data from the past 12 months, revealing that more than 8,000 young girls under the age of 18 were treated for pregnancies in healthcare facilities across the country. He noted that 70% of maternal and child deaths in Rwanda occur among those under the age of 20, with teenage pregnancies contributing significantly to these deaths.

He further elaborated that teenage pregnancies often result in complications due to the physical immaturity of young mothers, leading to unsafe abortions and poor healthcare outcomes. Additionally, Dr. Nsanzimana cited the high number of child deaths and malnutrition rates linked to the fact that many of these children were born to adolescent mothers.

The data from a 6th health and socio-economic survey also showed that 4.5% of girls under the age of 15 have already engaged in sexual activity, while 10.1% of boys have also participated in sexual activities before reaching the age of 15. This includes those who have become parents before the age of 15.

Dr. Utumatwishima Jean Nepo Abdallah, a health expert, previously expressed concerns about the lack of comprehensive access to contraception for young people. He argued that children, especially at 15 years old, should not be forced to seek contraception without an option to speak up, emphasizing that access to such services should be normalized for those in need, ensuring their health and safety.

The draft bill was passed in the Rwandan Parliament, with 63 votes in favor, none against, and two abstentions. The bill will now be further reviewed by the relevant parliamentary committee before becoming law.

This proposed change in the law is a significant step towards addressing the growing issue of teenage pregnancies and ensuring that young people have access to the reproductive health services they need to make informed decisions about their health and futures.

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