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Swagga T
RECENTLY, there was an outcry over contraceptives possibly being given to children as young as 10 years. Contraception is the use various devices, drugs, agents, sexual practices, or surgical procedures to prevent pregnancy. It is a method used much by women to help them plan if and when they want to have a baby.

Coincidentally, Zimbabwe joined other nations in celebrating World Contraceptive Day on Thursday as the debate on whether or not to give contraceptives to adolescents rages on. On social networks many parents blasted the idea as taboo.

They said there was a need to implement programmes that reduced the vulnerability of children to HIV/Aids. Luckily, the Government has no policy that advocates such practices but was only guided by social, cultural and medical factors in the formulation of all policies.

“We as a Ministry of Health and Child Care do not have a policy that advocates giving contraceptives to under-age children. We are very clear about this because we are guided not only by our policy, but by the socio-cultural and medical prerogatives in our country,” said Health and Child Care Minister Dr David Parirenyatwa.

The fact that the age of majority was 18 years and that of marriage was 16 years meant that anyone below these age groups was considered under age.

Many teenagers aired their views about the issue on how it affected them. Tinashe Kupa (17) from Warren Park said introducing such practices was unheard of.

“Why do you want to take contraceptives at such tender age? Do we understand much about it? The problem with our elders is they don’t put us in front and consider our views also when making decisions. Yes, they have been there and done that but they should not impose things to us.

Personally, I say no to the idea,” she said. She said somehow it then promotes early sexual practices.
“Of course, if I know that I am protected, I will then start behaving according to tune because I will know I am safe,” she said.

Tinashe asked: “What happened to the issue of abstinence teachings in schools?” James Mapiriro (18) of Borrowdale said giving children young as 10 years old contraceptives is something out of this world.

He said the reasoning capacity of a 10-year-old was low. “By this they are then vulnerable, taken advantage by perpetrators knowing that they are taking contraceptives. It is wrong even to teach a 10-year-old about sex, maybe at 12 is best. It would be wise to focus much on biology and science,” he said.

He said as a boy the issue of condoms is a non-starter at such age.
“I believe as young people we need to be empowered first to make the right choices. We should not run away from the fact that some young people are indulging in sexual activities, but 10 years is too young. The point is if you give him a condom now, he will think what he should do with it.

Imagine how they break toys at such age, wanting to know how it was made,’’ said James.
However, last year research said an increase in reported sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/Aids, among adolescents were high, which later prompted many communities to take action to protect their youth.

One proven method is to provide comprehensive sexuality education along with school-based programmes that make condoms available to sexually active youths though it is still debatable. Former Child President Tatenda Rusere said it was better to use common sense than condom sense.

“Abstinence is the best. We are too young to indulge in sexual activities and that is my personal opinion,” he said. To date the issue of distribution of condoms in schools is still shrouded controversy, as there is need to still debate further.

“Zimbabwe is no exception when it comes to such issues because Aids is a global problem. It is estimated that there are 13 million children orphaned by Aids in sub-Saharan Africa, with the number almost certain to double by the end of the decade,” he said. He also said children were by nature vulnerable.