Experts and policymakers have raised concerns over the growing number of teenage pregnancies in Rwanda and the role of contraceptives in addressing this crisis. During a twitter space discussion hosted by The New Times, they outlined five key reasons why the government is pushing for increased access to contraceptives for teens and advocating for lowering the age of consent for contraceptive use from 18 to 15. 1. Rising Teenage pregnancy rates The country has witnessed an alarming increase in teenage pregnancies, with thousands of adolescent girls giving birth every year. According to the 2022 national census, 39,273 teenage girls became pregnant, while recent data from the Ministry of Health reveals that between June 2023 and July 2024, 8,000 girls under 18 received antenatal care—accounting for 2% of all pregnancies attended to at health facilities. ALSO READ: Govt defends contraceptive for teens amid high pregnancy, child mortality rates Experts link this trend to limited access to contraceptives for young people, leaving them vulnerable to unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). “One of the leading factors is the inaccessibility of adolescents to these services. Despite rising rates of sexual activity among adolescents, the law currently restricts access to sexual and reproductive health services for those under 18, leaving them vulnerable to negative outcomes,” said Denise Teta, Policy and Advocacy Lead at Health Development Initiative (HDI) Rwanda. Teta added that misconceptions about contraception, encouraging premarital sex contribute to the problem. “Access to contraception is about protection, not promoting sexual activity. Providing these services gives teenagers an extra layer of security beyond education.” 2. Barriers to sexual and reproductive health services Rwanda’s legal restrictions prevent adolescents aged 14 to 17 from obtaining contraceptives without parental consent. However, many young people engage in sexual activity before turning 18, making restricted access a significant concern. “The 2016 law on reproductive health states that only individuals who have reached the majority age can consent to sexual and reproductive health services. ALSO READ: Govt tables bill allowing contraception for 15-year-olds However, this contradicts Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to good health, including reproductive health,” said Chris Sengoga, Deputy Executive Director of Rwanda NGOs Forum on HIV & HP. He noted a legal inconsistency: while minors can access safe abortion with parental approval, they are denied contraception. Cultural and societal norms further discourage open discussions on adolescent sexual health, making it difficult for young people to seek the services they need. “Adolescents should be at the forefront of these discussions,” Sengoga added. To address this, the Ministry of Health has proposed lowering the age of consent for reproductive health services to 15, citing data that shows early sexual activity among youth. “Unintended pregnancies are already a pressing issue, with some adolescents engaging in sexual activity as early as 12 years old. Lowering the age of consent for contraceptives could be part of the solution,” Sengoga said. ALSO READ: Supporting teenage access to reproductive health services is securing their future 3. Reducing unsafe abortions and maternal health risks Without access to contraceptives, many teenagers resort to unsafe abortions, which pose severe health risks. Sengoga emphasised that in countries where adolescents can access reproductive health services, teenage pregnancy rates and sexually transmitted infections have declined. “Data from various studies indicate that providing young people with contraception and comprehensive sexual education significantly reduces unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions,” he said. “Many adolescent girls aged 15 to 20 globally face serious health complications due to unsafe procedures, which could be prevented through proper reproductive health services.” He also pointed out that many parents lack accurate information on why adolescents should have autonomy over their reproductive health. “Providing teens with the right resources doesn’t encourage risky behavior; it protects them,” Sengoga said. By ensuring contraceptive availability and empowering young people with knowledge, the government aims to safeguard adolescent health and reduce maternal mortality rates associated with early pregnancies. 4. Strengthening comprehensive sexual education Francois Regis Cyiza, Director of the Health Facilities Programs Unit at the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), highlighted the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding adolescent contraception through education and awareness campaigns. Providing accurate information empowers young people to make informed choices about their reproductive health, reducing misinformation and promoting safer practices. “This will be one of the existing strategies to promote awareness, and it is also considered a best practice. Right now, access to contraceptives in health centers is still low, and while we encourage adolescents to abstain, we often neglect the biological reality that many teenagers are sexually active. At the very least, these services will support those who do not abstain and help prevent early pregnancies,” Cyiza said. He stressed that comprehensive sexual education, combined with improved contraceptive availability, would be a complementary strategy in reducing teenage pregnancies. “We cannot rely on abstinence alone; we must provide young people with the tools and knowledge they need to protect themselves. Awareness and access go hand in hand in ensuring a healthier future for our adolescents.” 5. The need for policy reforms Sengoga stressed the urgency of legal and policy changes to improve adolescent access to reproductive health services. While the government acknowledges the sensitivity of the issue, ensuring the availability of contraceptives, alongside education and counseling, is essential in addressing the crisis. Teta pointed out that many teenagers avoid seeking these services because they require parental or guardian approval, which often creates barriers due to parental beliefs and societal stigma. “This lack of access puts young girls at risk of unintended pregnancies, forcing some to drop out of school and face severe health complications,” she said. “If teens could access these services independently, it would make a huge difference. Many are afraid to talk to their parents about reproductive health, leaving them without the information or protection they need. Allowing them to seek help on their own terms would not only prevent teenage pregnancies but also reduce the risks associated with unsafe abortions.”
