Online Reporter
Talent Gore
HUMAN rights lawyers are calling for clear clinical guidelines to ensure minors who qualify for lawful termination of pregnancy can access reproductive healthcare without unnecessary delays.
Speaking at a media forum on Friday, Health Law Consortium representative Tinashe Mundawarara said children, whose pregnancies result from unlawful sexual intercourse, may fall within the circumstances provided for under the law. He said the Health Ministry must provide clear guidance to healthcare workers on cases covered by the Termination of Pregnancy Act.
“There must be clear clinical regulations to guide health workers in providing reproductive health services to minors, in line with existing legislation,” he said Mundawarara said child pregnancies can expose young girls to serious health risks, including complications during pregnancy and childbirth, while their babies may face premature birth and low birth weight. He said denying minors services that are legally available could undermine their constitutional right to healthcare.
“Where the law provides for access, there must be practical mechanisms to ensure that eligible children can receive appropriate care safely and without unnecessary delays,” he said.
“The response must also tackle the causes of child pregnancies through stronger protection from sexual violence, prevention measures and support for survivors.
“Clearer implementation of the law is critical to ensuring eligible minors receive safe and timely reproductive healthcare.”
