On Monday, August 4, the Parliament passed a groundbreaking bill that allows access to essential reproductive health services, including contraceptives, to adolescents as young as 15. This progressive shift in policy marks a critical step in addressing the long-standing barriers that young people face when seeking timely and confidential healthcare.

Lowering the age of consent from 18 to 15 for reproductive health services is a practical response to the realities facing Rwandan adolescents today. According to the Ministry of Health, the decision aims to bridge persistent gaps in access to care and reduce the risks of unplanned pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and maternal complications. These risks are not theoretical; they affect thousands of young lives each year, often cutting education short and deepening cycles of poverty.

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The updated policy now enables access to a range of services, including comprehensive sexuality education (CSE), menstrual health support, contraceptive services, and HIV and STI screening. This holistic approach recognizes that sexual and reproductive health is not just about contraception. It’s about equipping young people with knowledge and the power to make informed choices about their bodies and futures.

Critics may argue that providing these services promotes early sexual activity. But evidence globally has shown the opposite: when adolescents have access to accurate information and youth-friendly services, they tend to delay sexual debut and engage in safer practices when they do become sexually active.

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Now, implementation is key. Health centers, schools, and communities must be prepared to offer non-judgmental, confidential, and accessible services. Parents, educators, and leaders must engage in open, supportive conversations, and not silence and shame.

This is not just a health policy. It’s a human rights milestone. Rwanda has taken a courageous step to protect and empower its youth. The next step is ensuring that this bold promise translates into real, life-changing access on the ground.