Reproductive health is the health of your body’s reproductive system – the parts of the body which are used for having sex and giving birth to babies.

The Constitution says that all children have a right to health. The right to health includes a right to reproductive health.

Contraception

The Children’s Act says that a child of 12 years or older can consent to medical treatment. This means that a 12-year old girl can choose to take an oral contraceptive (the pill) to control her reproductive system.

Termination of Pregnancy

The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act 1996 governs the law about terminations of pregnancy – often referred to as ‘abortions’. The Act says that where a girl wanting an abortion is under 18, the doctor or midwife must advise her to speak to her parents or other family members before having the abortion. But the girl does not need to follow this advice and she does not need their consent for the procedure.

An exception is that if the girl is severely mentally ill or has been unconscious for a long time, then consent of a parent or legal guardian is required.