Rwanda Ushers in a New Era of Healthcare: Lowered Age for Reproductive Rights to Fight Teenage Pregnancies

The Rwandan Parliament approved a new health services law on Monday, marking a significant milestone in the country’s healthcare development.

This legislation consolidates and replaces existing medical laws, aiming to modernize healthcare regulations and address the challenges caused by numerous overlapping laws related to medicine.

Rwanda’s Minister of State for Health, Dr. Yvan Butera, highlighted that this law represents a major advancement in healthcare and emphasizes the ongoing progress in medical technology. He stated:

“We now have experts utilizing advanced technology, including remote diagnosis and treatment, which improves efficiency and reduces waiting times for patients.”

Dr. Butera also noted that the law addresses the needs of individuals seeking assisted reproductive services. It establishes clear guidelines for providing these services within Rwanda, eliminating previous barriers faced by those traveling abroad for such procedures.

Regarding minors, the law revises the minimum age for receiving unaccompanied medical and educational services from 15 years and above. However, it maintains respect for Rwandan cultural values, including the importance of education and moral upbringing.

MP Ntezimana J. Claude questioned the rationale behind providing reproductive health services to teenagers. In response, Dr. Butera explained that unplanned pregnancies and related complications are a significant concern among adolescents, with up to 38% experiencing miscarriage or other pregnancy-related health risks due to their bodies not being fully prepared for childbirth.

The law also updates the outdated Law No. 10/98 of October 28, 1998, on health, reflecting the rapid advances in medicine. It affirms that every individual has the right to access education and medical services related to reproductive health, regardless of discrimination.

Importantly, the legislation grants those who have reached the age of majority—18 years and older—the right to independently make decisions about their reproductive health, as stipulated in Article 104 of Law No. 71/2024 of June 26, 2024. This raises concerns about adolescents and young adults under 18, who may lack full access to reproductive information and services, contributing to rising numbers of unplanned pregnancies.

Deputy Uwamariya explained that the law now lowers the age for accessing reproductive services to 15, ensuring teenagers beginning at that age can receive support to prevent unplanned pregnancies. There are no exceptions; any individual aged 15 or older is eligible for these services.

What does this mean for Rwandans?

• It is expected to reduce the incidence of teenage pregnancies, diminish poverty, and lessen the burden on families. Girls who engage in sexual activity without proper protection will have access to contraception if they are 15 or older.

Parents are urged to remain vigilant and responsible in guiding their children, promoting safe practices and preventing early pregnancies through education and protection.

A study by the National Human Rights Commission revealed that 57.1% of girls who become pregnant before puberty are influenced by peers, 7% by neighbors, and 2% by relatives. Among those surveyed, 57.1% reported that friends were responsible for their pregnancies, 19.7% cited neighbors, 7.5% strangers, and 2.9% family members.

Historical data shows a concerning trend: in 2017, there were 17,331 cases of unplanned pregnancies among teenagers. This increased to 23,622 in 2019, then slightly decreased to 19,701 in 2020, but climbed again to 23,534 in 2021, and stood at 19,406 in 2023.

The new law aims to tackle these issues by providing better access to reproductive health services for young people, ultimately reducing teenage pregnancy rates and promoting healthier, more informed communities.