What in the World - Teens in Rwanda get access to family planning without parental consent

Download Teens in Rwanda get access to family planning without parental consent

Rwanda has made it easier for teenagers to access reproductive health services with a new law. If you’re aged 15 in the country, you’ll be able to start the contraceptive pill or get condoms through a medical professional without your parents’ permission. Those in favour say it’ll help tackle teen pregnancy, which some lawmakers have called a national crisis. But it’s also sparked backlash from religious communities and social media commentators.

BBC Africa’s Health correspondent Dorcas Wangira explains the new law and the arguments for and against it. We also hear what sex education is available in Rwanda, and how big of an issue teen pregnancy is.

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Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: William Lee Adams, Julia Ross-Roy and Benita Barden
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Editor: Verity Wilde

Published on Thursday, 18th September 2025.

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