Why Lowering The Age of Consent to Sexual and Reproductive Health Services Is Beneficial for Adolescents' Health and Wellbeing

Abstract

Age of consent laws enacted to protect children from different forms of abuse 1-4. The minimum age of consent to sex law, for example, is meant to protect minors from sexual exploitation, abuse, and the adverse effects of early sexual activities on their health and wellbeing 1-4. This law is premised on the assumption that age and experience create a power imbalance that disadvantages minors 5, making it impossible for them to give informed consent 6. Until recently, people view the age of consent laws as protective and beneficial. However, with increasing recognition of adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health challenges, many have begun questioning if the age of consent laws hinder or improve access to sexual and reproductive health services. In Zimbabwe, adolescents and especially girls, face several sexual and reproductive health problems. A 2016 study estimated 45,387 unintended pregnancies and 4,155 induced abortions among adolescent girls (15-19 years) in Zimbabwe 7. According to the 2015 Demographic and Health Survey report 8, about 22 percent of girls had begun childbearing by 19 years. Adolescents (15-19 years) are also disproportionately more at risk of acquiring HIV, accounting for one-third of all infections among adults9. Consequently, HIV and early unintended pregnancy are among the leading causes of death among adolescents.