Birth control: at what age to use them

SEPTEMBER 26 was World Contraception Day, and according to the South African Children’s Act 38 of 2005, children from the age of 12 have the right to be tested for HIV and receive contraceptives without their parents’ consent.

Express asked residents what they thought was the right age to start using contraceptives.

Khomotso Dorcus said that, as more and more girls were getting pregnant at a younger age, they should start using contraceptives as soon as they see their first periods. “I believe they must start using contraceptives around the ages of 13 or 14, as children today experiment with sex at a younger age.”

Samuel Modiba said 15 was the right age for young people to start making decisions regarding sex.

“Children are growing up fast these days and are acting like adults. I think the early use of contraceptives will reduce teenage pregnancy.”

Kate Machete said people should start using contraceptives as soon as they start having sex.

“Contraceptives are not only for adults as children as young as 11 years old are having babies.”

Phineas Hlangwane said 18 was the right age to start having sex and using contraceptives.

“The age of 18 is a responsible age to start experimenting with sex. Children younger than that should not even think about it.”

Kate Selolo said although she thought 20 was the right age to start using contraceptives, parents must start talking to their children about sex when they are 15 years old.

She advised that condoms were a better prevention method than pills as they prevented both HIV and pregnancy.

Leonard Nelson on the other hand supported the Act that allowed children from the age of 12 to get access to contraceptives. “As a peer educator, I know what these children are up to and the consequences they face. Twelve is the right age to use contraceptives, but with advice from an adult.”

Jacob Makhura disagreed with Nelson, and said the age of 12 was too young to start using contraceptives. “At that age, you are still a child.”

He thought 16 was the right age to start using contraceptives.