Legal Frameworks for Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health in South Africa
Nai D, Methazia J, Managa K, Buyeye S, Robbertse T. Legal Frameworks for Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health in South Africa. April 2026.
Findings from a 2023 Ibis study among adolescents (12-17 year olds) in the Gauteng province of South Africa revealed inconsistent knowledge and misconceptions regarding their legal rights to access Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services, such as contraception and abortion. Based on these findings, Ibis partnered with Women’s Legal Centre to develop two resources for young people and those who work with them, as user-friendly references on the laws and stipulations which govern access to SRH services in the country. The first resource, Adolescent Reproductive Rights, addresses consent to medical treatment; sexual consent; abortion access; pregnancy in school settings; and the reporting of statutory rape. The second, Mental Incapacity and Medical Consent for Adolescent Health, defines and contextualizes mental incapacity, as well as accommodations to ensure ethical informed consent is gained from adolescents, regardless of circumstance.