March 28, 2024

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Northern Province: Teens welcome the draft law on contraception for adolescents

Teens welcome the draft law with mixed views

Teenagers in the Northern Province of Rwanda have welcomed the draft law concerning easy access to contraceptives for adolescents with mixed feelings, TOPAFRICANEWS has established.

The Government of Rwanda wants to review the existing reproductive health law in order to allow more teenagers to have access to family planning methods.

Article 7 of that law stipulates that “subject to provisions of other laws, every person having attained the majority age has the right to decide for oneself in relation to human reproductive health issues”.

However critics say that the article makes it nearly impossible for many adolescents to independently make decisions on seeking reproductive healthcare services because they are below 18, the age of consent in the country.

Also Article 11 of the medical professional liability insurance law stipulates that “the health professional who intends to provide healthcare services to a minor or an incapable person must endeavor to inform his/her parents or his/her representative or his/her guardian and obtain their prior consent”.

The article adds that “in case of emergency and in the absence of his/her parents, legal representative or guardian for their consent, the opinion of another competent health professional shall be required before making a decision”.

However, advocates said that the law review come at the right time adding that “A growing number of pregnant teens justifies the need to easy access to family planning methods among that category if we need to save their lives.”

Marie Claire Uwamariya, the Vice Mayor of Musanze District in Charge of Social Affairs said that “In past many young people were very restrained to openly express their desire on using Family planning methods. But this time the number of young people seeking the FP services has increased.”

She added that “If you look at the increasing number of under 18 pregnant girls you find that there is a need to allow them to use contraceptives.

Marie Claire Uwamariya, the Vice Mayor of Musanze District in Charge of Social Affairs

“It could be better if they restrain from having sex at the early age but if they can’t it is better to use contraceptives methods to avoid early pregnancies which are at the alarming point.” Uwamariya said.

In the last two years, the District of Musanze has recorded 150 under 18 girls who have been impregnated.

Uwamariya said “All 150 girls come from 15 sectors of the District.”

Despite having helped some of them to obtain Justice, the District says a big number of offenders are still on the run hiding from the Justice.

“Some are still at large in our neighboring countries like Uganda. But with the collaboration of the Rwanda Investigation Bureau, we are working on dossiers and we hope that all victims will get justice.” She added

Continuous Outreach Programs

The increased participation of young people in Family Planning programs is due to the continuous mobilization programs that are being conducted by the Districts and NGOs operating in the Northern Province.

Ntirenganya Alphonse

Ntirenganya Alphonse, the coordinator of the Association Rwandaise pour le Bien-Etre Familial (ARBEF) said that “together with Government entities and non-profits organizations as well as churches, we keep our sensitization campaigns among youth especially those who are in Universities and they later help us to convey the Family Planning message to the grassroots level”

As results, Ntirenganya said “Today many young people have clear understandings on Family Panning.”

“Concerning the under review law to see how they can provide easy access to contraceptives among the teens, this is a very good step and we as ARBEF we support that initiative because it is in line with saving our young people.

“This will enable the Government to follow up the youth reproductive health while at the same time helping young people to feel free to ask for contraceptives services because they are entitled to that.” He commented.

READ Also:Rwanda: Married couples prefer Injectable contraceptives more than other FP methods

Teens speak out

Niyonzima Pacifique, 21, Nkotsi sector, Musanze

For me I don’t see any problem with the law. Once approved there will be reduction of unpredicted pregnancies because girls will be able to use contraceptives and again we can’t ignore the work of the Government, they are working on that because they have seen the law will help us and that’s why I support that initiative.”

Masengesho Eric, 18, Rusasa Sector, Gakenke

The only challenge I see is how will I feel when my girl friend tells me that she is using the contraceptives? I will ask her why? And that will lead to the break off to our relationship. But to the other side I find the law very important for those who can not wait until they reach the marriage age ”

Habarurema Jean De Dieu, 18, Nyarutende Cell

“All people are not the same; if we are assured that there will be no negative impacts on our health system especially among girls nothing can prevent teens to use contraceptives because they also need to think about their future before indulging in unprotected sexual activities.”

Dusabemariya Germaine, 18, Muhoza Sector, Musanze

“I have decided to restrain myself from having sex at this age. But for those who cannot, the law will help them. Imagine giving birth to a baby that you cannot take care of. Normally people below 18 years old are not ready to become mothers so rather than giving birth when you are below the age it is better to use contraceptives if you can’t control your sexual desire.”

 Uwimbabazi Emma, 21, Musanze

“Because of my religious belief, I can’t use contraceptives only because I can control myself. I think nothing can push me to sexual Intercourse right now. I will wait until the right time. So I don’t agree with this law. Why can you put your life in danger as if you can’t distinguish between bad and good? My young fellows should wait until they reach marriage age done using contraceptives”

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