Child Welfare South Africa (CWSA) on Tuesday welcomed the implementation of some sections of the Children’s Act from last Sunday, but also expressed concern about giving young children access to contraceptives.
This section stipulates that no person may refuse to sell or distribute free condoms to a child over the age of 12 years.
In addition, other contraception may be provided to a child on request, without parental consent, if the child is over 12 years.
”The Children’s Act contradicts present law whereby a child can only consent to sexual relations once they are 16 years and older,” CWSA executive director Ashley Theron said.
”We are concerned that children of 12 years old are not emotionally or physically ready for such relationships.
”We need to deal with the problem of children becoming sexually active at such a young age and not only take the approach towards the prevention of pregnancies and other sexual transmitted infections,” Theron said in a statement.
The provisions that came into effect on July 1 relate mainly to parental rights and responsibilities, age of maturity, HIV testing of children and access to contraceptives.
Theron said the necessity of testing children for HIV/Aids when making decisions regarding future placements was addressed in the Act.
”It is advised that such testing is conducted at an early stage so to guide social workers regarding the placement options open to a child and in the selection of the most suitable caregiver for the child.
”It is best to ensure a long-term secure placement of a child at the earliest age possible.”
In addition, early diagnosis of HIV in children was essential in prolonging life expectancy in that it allowed for healthcare planning.
These matters complied with fulfilling the standard of the best interest of a child and were strongly supported by CWSA.
The Act empowered key role-players to make speedy and informed decisions regarding long-term care options, such as fostering and adoption for children affected by HIV/Aids,” Theron said.
In a separate statement, the National Democratic Convention (Nadeco) women said it was appalled at the ”morally flawed” Act.
”Children are immature beings who need guidance to make informed decisions; this Act is a violation of the right of parents to protect, discipline and guide their children in their own homes.
”What makes this immoral Act unacceptable is the fact that contraception indirectly gives our children permission to engage in sexual activities at the age of 12.
”This Act holds the capacity to cut short the life-expectancy rate of our younger generation, because contraception indirectly encourages unprotected sex, which opens a gateway to various kinds of sexually
transmitted diseases, such as HIV/Aids, which has plagued our country immeasurably and claimed many lives over the last decade.
”The government should give parents the right to parenting back, the right to protect our children from themselves until they are old enough to make informed decisions for themselves,” Nadeco said. — Sapa