Rwanda has approved a new healthcare law allowing teenagers aged 15 and above to access contraceptives without parental consent, aiming to combat the country’s rising teenage pregnancy rates. The move has sparked mixed reactions across the conservative nation.
The law, passed, lowers the legal age for accessing birth control from 18 to 15. The Health Ministry said the previous restriction contributed to over 22,000 teen pregnancies recorded last year alone.
Rwanda, with a population of about 13 million — 40% of whom are under 15 — has seen teenage pregnancy become a leading cause of school dropouts. Over 100,000 teenage girls became pregnant over the past five years, according to a parliamentary report.
Supporters say the law is a progressive step that will reduce school dropouts, illegal abortions, and maternal deaths. “It’s good they looked at this from a progressive standpoint,” said John Scarius of the Great Lakes Initiative for Human Rights and Development.
The law permits access to pills and implants, though lawmakers stressed that condoms should be the preferred option.
However, critics argue the measure undermines parental authority and could promote promiscuity. “It opens a very dangerous door,” said Karemera Charlotte, a retired healthcare worker and parent.
Abortion remains illegal in Rwanda except in cases of rape, incest, or forced marriage.
