Ugandan legislators have rejected a government proposal to permit 15-year-old girls to access birth control pills in an effort to reduce the high rates of teenage pregnancy.

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa strongly criticized the idea, describing it as "devilish" and suggesting that it would essentially condone the exploitation of girls.

A senior official from the health ministry argued that the societal stigma surrounding young people using contraceptives needed to be overcome.

According to a survey, nearly one-fourth of girls aged 15 to 19 in Uganda are either pregnant or already mothers. This rate saw a significant increase during the COVID-19 lockdown when schools were closed for nearly two years.

During a contentious parliamentary debate on Tuesday, Member of Parliament Lucy Akello raised concerns about whether the age of consent was being reduced from the current 18 years to 15 years, as reported by the state-owned New Vision newspaper.

She called the idea of providing contraception to girls in their teens "scary."

Ms. Akello claimed she did not utilize birth control. "I use the natural method, the one God gave me."

In response to the debate, Primary Healthcare Minister Margaret Muhanga clarified that the government had not endorsed the proposal; rather, it had been put forward by a senior medical officer, Dr. Charles Olaro.

She questioned whether it was preferable for a child to become pregnant and potentially risk her life during childbirth, emphasizing the prevalence of "so many teenage pregnancies."

Dr. Olaro, speaking to the privately owned Daily Monitor newspaper, stressed that access to reproductive health information is not merely a matter of personal choice; it is a fundamental right. He argued that creating an environment where young individuals can access information about sexual and reproductive health and contraception without facing stigma, discrimination, or judgment is essential.

Despite these arguments, the deputy speaker firmly stated that the proposal "should never see the light of day."

Uganda, known for its deeply religious society, has also faced opposition from a group of religious leaders who advocate abstinence for teenagers.