In a significant development, Rwanda's lawmakers passed a revised healthcare services bill on Monday that lowers the minimum legal age for accessing contraceptives from 18 to 15 without the approval of parents. The move comes in response to reducing the country's high rate of teenage pregnancy. The decision has sparked a row in the largely conservative country.&nbsp;With nearly 40 per cent of Rwanda's 13 million population under the age of 15, concerns over rising teenage pregnancy have pushed the government to act, despite opposition to expanding access to birth control, according to a report by AFP.&nbsp;Although teenage birth rates have fallen globally, the decline has been slowest in sub-Saharan Africa, according to the World Health Organisation. The Health Ministry stated that the previous age limit had led to an increase in the rate of unwanted teenage pregnancies, which topped at more than 22,000 cases last year, according to the national data.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/who-is-daniel-jackson-australian-man-forms-new-country-with-nearly-400-citizens-on-unclaimed-land-1754542726150">Australian man forms new country with nearly 400 citizens on unclaimed land: Here's all we know</a>&nbsp;The proposed legislation has been under review by the parliament since last year and was initially rejected by the parliament. "It has been proven that Rwandan girls are sexually active even before 15 years," John Scarius, the programmes' director at NGO Great Lakes Initiative for Human Rights and Development in Rwanda, told AFP.&nbsp;"What the parliament has done is a good thing, it's good they looked at this from a progressive standpoint," Scarius added. Earlier, the law makers permitted teens to access the pill and implants, but later it asked to prioritised the condoms.<h3>Unwanted pregnancies led to school dropouts</h3>A report that was presented in parliament underscored that 100,000 teenage girls experienced unwanted pregnancies over the past five years, prompting the upsurge of school dropouts in Rwanda.&nbsp;"We expect this law to bring a decrease in teenage pregnancies; we expect to see minimal school dropouts, minimal illegal abortions, we expect less or no abortion related fatalities," Scarius said.&nbsp;Meanwhile, abortion is illegal in Rwanda unless it is the result of rape, incest, or forced marriage.

The lawmakers of Rwanda passed a healthcare bill on Monday that lowers the legal age to use contraceptives without parental consent from 18 to 15.

In a significant development, Rwanda's lawmakers passed a revised healthcare services bill on Monday that lowers the minimum legal age for accessing contraceptives from 18 to 15 without the approval of parents. The move comes in response to reducing the country's high rate of teenage pregnancy. The decision has sparked a row in the largely conservative country. With nearly 40 per cent of Rwanda's 13 million population under the age of 15, concerns over rising teenage pregnancy have pushed the government to act, despite opposition to expanding access to birth control, according to a report by AFP. Although teenage birth rates have fallen globally, the decline has been slowest in sub-Saharan Africa, according to the World Health Organisation. The Health Ministry stated that the previous age limit had led to an increase in the rate of unwanted teenage pregnancies, which topped at more than 22,000 cases last year, according to the national data. Also read: Australian man forms new country with nearly 400 citizens on unclaimed land: Here's all we know The proposed legislation has been under review by the parliament since last year and was initially rejected by the parliament. "It has been proven that Rwandan girls are sexually active even before 15 years," John Scarius, the programmes' director at NGO Great Lakes Initiative for Human Rights and Development in Rwanda, told AFP. "What the parliament has done is a good thing, it's good they looked at this from a progressive standpoint," Scarius added. Earlier, the law makers permitted teens to access the pill and implants, but later it asked to prioritised the condoms. Unwanted pregnancies led to school dropouts A report that was presented in parliament underscored that 100,000 teenage girls experienced unwanted pregnancies over the past five years, prompting the upsurge of school dropouts in Rwanda. "We expect this law to bring a decrease in teenage pregnancies; we expect to see minimal school dropouts, minimal illegal abortions, we expect less or no abortion related fatalities," Scarius said. Meanwhile, abortion is illegal in Rwanda unless it is the result of rape, incest, or forced marriage.

The lawmakers of Rwanda passed a healthcare bill on Monday that lowers the legal age to use contraceptives without parental consent from 18 to 15.

This country will allow kids aged 15 to buy condoms amid rising teen pregnancy

A Kerala court on Monday sentenced a 44-year-old man to a cumulative 106 years' imprisonment for raping and impregnating a 15-year-old mentally challenged girl in this mountainous district of the state.

Devikulam Fast Track Special Court (POCSO) Judge Sirajuddin P A handed down varying sentences to the man, who was a friend of the victim's mother, under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for a total of 106 years, Special Public Prosecutor Smiju K Das said.

However, as the sentences will be served concurrently and the highest of the jail terms given to the man is 22 years, he will be serving 22 years in prison.

The court also imposed a fine of&nbsp;₹&nbsp;60,000 on the man. If the convict does not pay the fine amount, he will have to undergo an additional 22 months of rigorous imprisonment.

The court ordered that if the accused pays the fine, the amount should be paid to the girl as compensation from the victim compensation scheme of the Idukki District Legal Services Authority.

The incident took place in 2022 when the accused, a native of Thrissur, had come to Adimali for work. He had been working together with the girl's mother in a hotel and, after becoming friendly with her, he stayed with them in their house.

Then, when the girl's mother and siblings were not at home, the accused began sexually exploiting the girl. He had also threatened the girl, saying that he would kill her if she disclosed the incidents to them.

The incidents came to light when the mother brought the girl to Adimali Taluk Hospital due to physical difficulties, and the doctor found out that the girl was pregnant. The doctor reported the incident to the police.

The pregnancy of the girl was aborted at Idukki Medical College Hospital.

Subsequently, DNA tests were conducted on the medical samples of the aborted foetus of the girl and the accused, revealing that the father of the unborn child of the girl was the accused.&nbsp;

A Kerala court on Monday sentenced a 44-year-old man to a cumulative 106 years' imprisonment for raping and impregnating a 15-year-old mentally challenged girl in this mountainous district of the state.

A Kerala court on Monday sentenced a 44-year-old man to a cumulative 106 years' imprisonment for raping and impregnating a 15-year-old mentally challenged girl in this mountainous district of the state. Devikulam Fast Track Special Court (POCSO) Judge Sirajuddin P A handed down varying sentences to the man, who was a friend of the victim's mother, under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for a total of 106 years, Special Public Prosecutor Smiju K Das said. However, as the sentences will be served concurrently and the highest of the jail terms given to the man is 22 years, he will be serving 22 years in prison. The court also imposed a fine of ₹ 60,000 on the man. If the convict does not pay the fine amount, he will have to undergo an additional 22 months of rigorous imprisonment. The court ordered that if the accused pays the fine, the amount should be paid to the girl as compensation from the victim compensation scheme of the Idukki District Legal Services Authority. The incident took place in 2022 when the accused, a native of Thrissur, had come to Adimali for work. He had been working together with the girl's mother in a hotel and, after becoming friendly with her, he stayed with them in their house. Then, when the girl's mother and siblings were not at home, the accused began sexually exploiting the girl. He had also threatened the girl, saying that he would kill her if she disclosed the incidents to them. The incidents came to light when the mother brought the girl to Adimali Taluk Hospital due to physical difficulties, and the doctor found out that the girl was pregnant. The doctor reported the incident to the police. The pregnancy of the girl was aborted at Idukki Medical College Hospital. Subsequently, DNA tests were conducted on the medical samples of the aborted foetus of the girl and the accused, revealing that the father of the unborn child of the girl was the accused.

Kerala man jailed for 106 years for raping, impregnating mentally challenged teen

Jessica Burgess, a resident of Nebraska in the United States, has been sentenced to two years in prison for helping her teenage daughter obtain abortion pills. This development comes in the wake of charges filed against both of them for their collaborative efforts to terminate Celeste Burgess' pregnancy.

Burgess, according to the New York Times, ordered abortion pills online and subsequently provided them to her 17-year-old daughter, who was in her third trimester of pregnancy at the time.

Prosecutors confirmed these allegations. Additionally, it was reported that the mother-daughter duo later buried the foetal remains.

The investigation into this case began in April 2022 when concerns arose regarding Celeste Burgess giving birth prematurely to a stillborn child, which was allegedly buried.

As a result of the investigation, Celeste was sentenced to 90 days in jail in July after she pleaded guilty to removing or concealing human skeletal remains.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bob-menendez-temporarily-steps-down-as-us-senate-foreign-relations-chairman-over-bribery-charges-638872">&nbsp;Bob Menendez resigns as US Senate foreign relations head over charges of pocketing bribes in gold bars, cash</a>

<h2>Legal actions&nbsp;</h2>

During the same month, Jessica Burgess pleaded guilty to various charges, including violating Nebraska's abortion law, furnishing false information to a law enforcement officer, and removing or concealing human skeletal remains.

In the courtroom, Celeste Burgess, who had been released earlier, wiped tears from her face as her mother received her sentence.

The judge denied a request from Jessica Burgess' lawyer to sentence her to probation, emphasising that she had treated the foetal remains with disregard.

Also watch |&nbsp;UK: Teenager who died after legal fight with NHS trust can be named

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<h2>Legal context and concerns</h2>

Jessica Burgess faced five charges, including one under a 2010 law that restricts abortion to within 20 weeks after fertilisation.

Notably, the investigation into the Burgess family began prior to the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade in June 2022.&nbsp;

In August, Facebook's cooperation with the police investigation generated outrage, fuelling concerns that the platform could be used as a tool for cracking down on individuals involved in abortion procedures.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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Jessica Burgess, a resident of Nebraska in the United States, has been sentenced to two years in prison for helping her teenage daughter obtain abortion pills. This development comes in the wake of charges filed against both of them for their collaborative efforts to terminate Celeste Burgess' pregnancy.

Jessica Burgess, a resident of Nebraska in the United States, has been sentenced to two years in prison for helping her teenage daughter obtain abortion pills. This development comes in the wake of charges filed against both of them for their collaborative efforts to terminate Celeste Burgess' pregnancy. Burgess, according to the New York Times, ordered abortion pills online and subsequently provided them to her 17-year-old daughter, who was in her third trimester of pregnancy at the time. Prosecutors confirmed these allegations. Additionally, it was reported that the mother-daughter duo later buried the foetal remains. The investigation into this case began in April 2022 when concerns arose regarding Celeste Burgess giving birth prematurely to a stillborn child, which was allegedly buried. As a result of the investigation, Celeste was sentenced to 90 days in jail in July after she pleaded guilty to removing or concealing human skeletal remains. Also read | Bob Menendez resigns as US Senate foreign relations head over charges of pocketing bribes in gold bars, cash Legal actions During the same month, Jessica Burgess pleaded guilty to various charges, including violating Nebraska's abortion law, furnishing false information to a law enforcement officer, and removing or concealing human skeletal remains. In the courtroom, Celeste Burgess, who had been released earlier, wiped tears from her face as her mother received her sentence. The judge denied a request from Jessica Burgess' lawyer to sentence her to probation, emphasising that she had treated the foetal remains with disregard. Also watch | UK: Teenager who died after legal fight with NHS trust can be named Legal context and concerns Jessica Burgess faced five charges, including one under a 2010 law that restricts abortion to within 20 weeks after fertilisation. Notably, the investigation into the Burgess family began prior to the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade in June 2022. In August, Facebook's cooperation with the police investigation generated outrage, fuelling concerns that the platform could be used as a tool for cracking down on individuals involved in abortion procedures. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US mom gets two years in jail for helping teen daughter acquire abortion pills

A 15-year-old, who was allegedly sexually abused, gave birth to a girl at her home in Nagpur in the western Indian state of Maharashtra,&nbsp;after watching several YouTube tutorials&nbsp;on childbirth. She&nbsp;killed the newborn after birth, according to a report from news agency PTI.

The teenager, who lives in the Ambazari neighbourhood, came up with the concept of home birth and began watching YouTube tutorials in order to discreetly deliver the baby at home.&nbsp;

"She hid her baby bump from her mother by telling her that she was having some health issues," officials said.

"On March 2, she gave birth to a girl at her home and immediately strangled the newborn to death. She hid the body in a box in her home," they added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/give-plastic-take-gold-a-unique-idea-makes-jammu-and-kashmir-village-plastic-free-568669">Give plastic, take gold: A unique idea makes Jammu and Kashmir village plastic-free</a>

The minor allegedly strangled the crying baby with a belt until she stopped crying since neighbours would have been alerted by her cries. The infant was then placed in a bag and kept on the terrace, as per Times of India newspaper.

When the girl's mother returned home, she questioned her about her health condition.&nbsp;"The girl narrated her ordeal to her mother, following which she was taken to a hospital. The body of the newborn was sent for postmortem," officials said.

The minor allegedly befriended a man she met online. She had once been taken to a friend's house by the man, where he had forced himself on her after making her drink alcohol, as per TOI.&nbsp;

Police are still trying to trace the man, according to senior inspector Gajanan Kalyankar of the Ambazari police station.

“Police are still unsure about many questions in the case. We have a preliminary version of the minor and her mother, but a detailed inquiry is required,” said Kalyankar.

The police have reported a rape offence and a case of accidental death of the newborn. They are awaiting the results of the post-mortem to determine if the child was stillborn or killed after delivery.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A 15-year-old, who was allegedly sexually abused, gave birth to a girl at her home in Nagpur in the western Indian state of Maharashtra, after watching several YouTube tutorials on childbirth.

A 15-year-old, who was allegedly sexually abused, gave birth to a girl at her home in Nagpur in the western Indian state of Maharashtra, after watching several YouTube tutorials on childbirth. She killed the newborn after birth, according to a report from news agency PTI. The teenager, who lives in the Ambazari neighbourhood, came up with the concept of home birth and began watching YouTube tutorials in order to discreetly deliver the baby at home. "She hid her baby bump from her mother by telling her that she was having some health issues," officials said. "On March 2, she gave birth to a girl at her home and immediately strangled the newborn to death. She hid the body in a box in her home," they added. ALSO READ | Give plastic, take gold: A unique idea makes Jammu and Kashmir village plastic-free The minor allegedly strangled the crying baby with a belt until she stopped crying since neighbours would have been alerted by her cries. The infant was then placed in a bag and kept on the terrace, as per Times of India newspaper. When the girl's mother returned home, she questioned her about her health condition. "The girl narrated her ordeal to her mother, following which she was taken to a hospital. The body of the newborn was sent for postmortem," officials said. The minor allegedly befriended a man she met online. She had once been taken to a friend's house by the man, where he had forced himself on her after making her drink alcohol, as per TOI. Police are still trying to trace the man, according to senior inspector Gajanan Kalyankar of the Ambazari police station. “Police are still unsure about many questions in the case. We have a preliminary version of the minor and her mother, but a detailed inquiry is required,” said Kalyankar. The police have reported a rape offence and a case of accidental death of the newborn. They are awaiting the results of the post-mortem to determine if the child was stillborn or killed after delivery. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Nagpur teen delivers baby after watching YouTube tutorials, kills newborn

The number of adolescents getting pregnant in schools in South Africa is rising significantly. The recent statistics released by Amnesty international South Africa shows girls as young as 10 years old are giving birth.

WION Fineprint| South Africa: Number of adolescents getting pregnant on the rise

The number of adolescents getting pregnant in schools in South Africa is rising significantly. The recent statistics released by Amnesty International South Africa show girls as young as 10 years old are giving birth.

Tackling teen pregnancies in South Africa

Zimbabwe has reported a steep increase in pregnancies among girls and teenagers amid the coronavirus pandemic. Zimbabwe has two sets of marriage laws, the Marriage Act and Customary Marriages Act. Neither law gives a minimum age for marriage consent, while the customary law allows polygamy.

Teenage pregnancies spike during Covid-19 pandemic

Governor of Texas Greg Abbott Wednesday signed a bill that would ban abortions as soon as a fetal heartbeat can be detected.&nbsp;

That’s as early as six weeks gestation before many people know they are pregnant, effectively banning most abortions in the state.

The controversial bill is also known as the 'heartbeat bill' as it bans abortion once a foetal heartbeat is detected, often before a woman knows she is pregnant.

It also includes cases where a woman became pregnant as a result of rape or incest.

The bill passed easily through both the Senate and House, despite fervent opposition from Democrats.

"Our creator endowed us with the right to life, and yet millions of children lose their right to life every year because of abortion," Abbott said during a live video of the ceremony shared on Facebook. "In Texas, we work to save those lives and that's exactly what the Texas Legislature did this session."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The heartbeat bill is now LAW in the Lone Star State. 
 
This bill ensures the life of every unborn child with a heartbeat will be saved from the ravages of abortion. 
 
Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/SenBryanHughes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenBryanHughes</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/ShelbySlawson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShelbySlawson</a>, &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/txlege?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#txlege</a> for fighting for the lives of the unborn in Texas. <a href="https://t.co/aolhUKM9tv">pic.twitter.com/aolhUKM9tv</a>
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) <a href="https://twitter.com/GregAbbott_TX/status/1395037572158603265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Abortion rights advocates have promised to challenge the new law, which they consider one of the most extreme nationwide and the strictest in Texas since the landmark Roe v. Wade decision.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Governor of Texas Greg Abbott Wednesday signed a bill that would ban abortions as soon as a fetal heartbeat can be detected. That’s as early as six weeks gestation before many people know they are pregnant, effectively banning most abortions in the state.

Governor of Texas Greg Abbott Wednesday signed a bill that would ban abortions as soon as a fetal heartbeat can be detected. That’s as early as six weeks gestation before many people know they are pregnant, effectively banning most abortions in the state. The controversial bill is also known as the 'heartbeat bill' as it bans abortion once a foetal heartbeat is detected, often before a woman knows she is pregnant. It also includes cases where a woman became pregnant as a result of rape or incest. The bill passed easily through both the Senate and House, despite fervent opposition from Democrats. "Our creator endowed us with the right to life, and yet millions of children lose their right to life every year because of abortion," Abbott said during a live video of the ceremony shared on Facebook. "In Texas, we work to save those lives and that's exactly what the Texas Legislature did this session." The heartbeat bill is now LAW in the Lone Star State. This bill ensures the life of every unborn child with a heartbeat will be saved from the ravages of abortion. Thank you @SenBryanHughes, @ShelbySlawson, & #txlege for fighting for the lives of the unborn in Texas. pic.twitter.com/aolhUKM9tv — Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) May 19, 2021 × Meanwhile, Abortion rights advocates have promised to challenge the new law, which they consider one of the most extreme nationwide and the strictest in Texas since the landmark Roe v. Wade decision. (With inputs from agencies)

Heartbeat bill: Texas passes strict anti-abortion law

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