Access to contraception is essential for teenage girls who need to make informed choices about their bodies and futures. Key stakeholders in Africa, including health workers and advocates, emphasize the importance of making contraceptives easier to access. However, there’s a challenge: policymakers often hesitate to implement these changes amid a heated debate on sexual and reproductive rights.
At the recent Africa Health Agenda International Conference, experts revealed a troubling truth: While contraceptives are generally available, girls under 18 frequently require parental consent to obtain them. Many times, this consent is neither sought nor granted.
Easier to Get an Abortion than Contraception
Rwanda is facing difficulties in this area. Dr. Clarisse Mutimukeye, a prominent health advocate in the country, pointed out that laws on contraceptives are often stricter than those for abortions. In Rwanda, girls under 18 can terminate a pregnancy up to 22 weeks with proper application, yet they still need parental consent for contraception.
“Imagine a girl at 15 who can get an abortion but can’t access contraception. This is a serious issue,” Dr. Mutimukeye stated.
This issue has resulted in over 39,000 teenage pregnancies in Rwanda in 2022 alone. Many girls end up turning to unsafe methods for contraception, which can be harmful to their health.
Teen girls who choose to become mothers before completing their education face a risk of long-term poverty and dependency.
Recognizing this urgent need, Rwanda’s parliament is considering a new bill that would allow girls as young as 15 to access contraception without parental approval.
Teenage Mothers Facing Repeat Pregnancies
Although there’s a global decline in teenage birth rates, sub-Saharan Africa still has the highest rates. Countries like Kenya have similar issues with contraceptive access, driving young girls toward dangerous alternatives. Ritah Anindo Obonyo, a health advocate in Kenya, noted that many girls resort to emergency contraception as a primary method, which is not ideal, exposing them to further risks.
The lack of access to safe contraceptives has led to a worrying trend of repeat pregnancies among teenage mothers. Anindo explained, “We see young mothers getting pregnant again and again, which drastically affects their lives.”
The Fight for Autonomy
For many advocates, this discussion goes beyond contraception; it’s about control over young people’s lives. Dr. Samukeliso Dube highlighted the ongoing struggle against patriarchal systems that limit autonomy. “Control is everywhere—who gets to decide when and how young people access contraception?” she said.
Dr. Dube added, “Everyone has the right to decide if and when they want children. This is a fundamental right.”
With Africa facing cuts in health aid, many experts emphasize that expanding access to contraception and comprehensive reproductive health education is crucial. It’s a way to ensure women’s rights while managing resources effectively.
Professor Charles Okeahalam from Amref Health Africa stressed that investing in women’s education and reproductive health leads to social and economic benefits. He stated, “When we educate girls, we slow down population growth and create better conditions for their families and communities.”
30 Years After Beijing, Women’s Voices Still Matter
This year marks three decades since the Beijing Declaration, a commitment to advance women’s rights. Despite some progress, many leaders note that issues raised back in 1995 are still relevant today.
Dorothy Nyong’o, a trustee from the Africa Cancer Foundation, reflected, “I attended the Beijing meeting, and it’s disappointing that despite some advancements, we still talk about the same issues we faced back then.”
