Published on 08/11/2024
Government introduced a bill in Rwandan parliament this week proposing lowering the age of consent for reproductive health services, including contraception to 15.
The bill presented by Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, aims to address the issue of teenage pregnancies by granting adolescents more accessible healthcare options.
The relevance of the bill was approved by lawmakers, and it will now be reviewed by a parliamentary committee. Currently, Rwandan law defines the age of majority as 18, which restricts minors from making independent reproductive health decisions.
The 2016 reproductive health law affirms the right to access health education and services, yet it does not explicitly extend these rights to minors, effectively limiting their access to contraceptive options.
Minister Nsanzimana cited data revealing that over 8,000 girls under 18 had sought pregnancy services in the past year. Teenage pregnancies are linked to heightened rates of stunting, maternal and child mortality, with 70% of maternal and under-five deaths occurring among adolescent mothers.
He argued that current restrictions hinder efforts to combat these issues, as lack of access to contraceptives places many young girls at risk.
While some lawmakers, such as MP Cécile Murumunawabo, questioned the research supporting the age of 15 for contraceptive access, Nsanzimana clarified that this lower age limit applies solely to reproductive healthcare and is intended to reduce teenage pregnancy rates and associated health risks.
