Preventing Adolescent Pregnancy: The Protection Offered by International Human Rights Law

This article first highlights the principal challenges which adolescents may face in obtaining information on sexual and reproductive matters and in gaining access to contraceptive methods and services. The author then attempts to clearly identify which human rights are relevant in the prevention of unwanted pregnancy among adolescents, with particular attention to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). The article also addresses, and endeavours to resolve, the apparent conflict between the competing interests and rights of children and their parents or guardians. The author contends that in light of the legal rights of children and the present day realities of adolescent sexual activity and its consequences, the degree of parental authority with regard to contraceptive information and services sought by a child should be moderated. [Descriptors: Reproductive Rights - Adolescents, International]