By Atoyebi Nike
Rwandan lawmakers have approved a new health law that allows teenagers aged 15 and above to access contraception without parental consent, in a major move aimed at reducing teenage pregnancy.
The law, passed Monday, lowers the age of access from 18 to 15 and comes amid concern over rising rates of adolescent pregnancies, with over 22,000 cases recorded last year, according to government figures.
Health officials say the previous legal limit hindered access to reproductive health services and contributed to high rates of school dropouts and unsafe abortions. In the last five years, 100,000 teenage girls in Rwanda experienced unwanted pregnancies.
John Scarius of the Great Lakes Initiative for Human Rights praised the law as progressive. “Rwandan girls are sexually active before 15; this law addresses a public health reality,” he said.
The legislation permits access to the pill and implants, though lawmakers recommend condoms be prioritized.
However, some citizens expressed concern. Retired health worker Karemera Charlotte argued the law promotes immorality. “Sending a 15-year-old to school with condoms is disturbing. It’s like encouraging abortion,” she said.
In Rwanda, abortion remains illegal except in cases of rape, incest, or forced marriage.
Authorities say the law is expected to reduce teen pregnancies, illegal abortions, and related deaths.
