By Sukuoluhle Ndlovu
Masvingo – The access to sexual reproductive health care services and the use of contraceptives by children under the age of 16 has saw conflicting submissions between the parents and children who were in attendance at the public hearing of the portfolio on Health and Child Care and the thematic Committee on HIV and AIDS at Mucheke Hall on Thursday.
There was a conflict of interest amongst those who were present as others were strongly in favor of the law while others denounced the idea of making children under the age of 16 have access to sexual reproductive health care.
Chipiwa Mugabe the Executive Director of Space for Marginalized Groups in Diversity in Zimbabwe Trust said, “It is sad that parents are still in denial and are failing to face reality, as children are indulging into sexual activities day and night.
“Parents come here and try to defend their children as if they do not know what is on the ground. Many children are dying in the process of having illegal abortions which will have emanated from unwanted pregnancies. There should be a solution to the problems we are facing each and every day,” she said.
One student (name withheld) who was present and in favor said, “Whether we like it or not, in this case the government is right, as these services must be available to everyone who is sexually active and is at risk of pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. So there is need to take caution and see beyond rather than scrutinize everything negatively, as some of the things being said to be negative will work out and produce positive results,” said the student.
Meanwhile the, Labour Economists, African Democracy, (LEAD) led by Linda Masarira has strongly denounced such move by the government stating that it is a taboo for the African culture.
“It’s a taboo, totally UnAfrican to allow our girl child to be legally allowed to use contraceptives at the age of twelve years. We totally agree that children are misbehaving and mitigation must be suggested and put forward but certainly we cannot afford legalizing contraceptives to our minor girl children.
“We strongly suggest that we concentrate on instilling our traditional values, ethics and morals in our children so that we nurture decency in them and raise them up with dignity,” said Malvine Marange, LEAD National Secretary for Information and Publicity.
It is feared that normalizing this will make children feel like they are now at liberty of indulging into sexual activities whether they protect or not.
