More Sexual Reproductive Health info and services for girls needed

By Ritah Kemigisa

The Women and Girl Child Development Association has called for increased efforts to reach girls with sexual and reproductive health information and services so they can avoid early pregnancies.

The call follows release of the new education ministry 2020 policy on pregnancies which recommends that girls who conceive while in school should be sent home at three months of pregnancy and return after the baby has made at least six months.

The policy also recommends that if the boy who impregnates the girl is in school, they should also be suspended at the same time and only return after the girl has given birth.

The association’s Advocacy Officer, Viola Nayabare says although sending both the boy and girl away is fair and deterrent enough, it should be accompanied with increased access to vital information to help girls avoid the pregnancy in the first place.

Written by Noelyn Nassuuna