The principle Opposition occasion in Grenada, the New Nationwide Celebration (NNP), has declared it won’t assist the government’s plan to reduce the Age of Civil Responsibility from 18 to 16 years. The proposed laws would permit minors to hunt sexual and reproductive well being therapy with out parental or guardian consent.
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The Dickon Mitchell-led authorities intends to amend the Age of Civil Authorized Duty (Modification) Act 2025 throughout Parliament’s upcoming session on Thursday. The invoice goals to redefine “minister” and decrease the consent age for sexual and reproductive well being providers.
Opposition Chief Emmalin Pierre expressed robust opposition to the invoice, stating, “Not at all will the Opposition be part of with the Grenadian Authorities tomorrow to assist the passage of a Invoice to amend the age for civil obligation from 18 to 16 years, and in some circumstances to offer the minister authority for a 12-year-old to have the ability to make sure selections with out the consent of a father or mother.”
In a Fb video, Pierre emphasised the invoice’s wide-ranging penalties and referred to as for broader public dialogue. She urged the federal government to permit the invoice to proceed solely to its first studying stage to allow stakeholder engagement. “We hope that the Authorities decides to not proceed with the passage of this Invoice tomorrow,” she mentioned.
The proposed amendments stem from the Highlight Initiatives, a program launched in 2020 and accomplished in November 2023, centered on lowering household violence by way of legislative reforms.
Based on the invoice, a minor aged 16 or older would have the authorized proper to consent to any sexual or reproductive well being therapy—together with diagnostic procedures—with the identical authorized impact as an grownup. The invoice additionally grants the minister, in session with the well being minister, the facility to authorize minors aged 12 to fifteen to consent to specified sexual and reproductive well being providers by order revealed within the Gazette.
“Sexual and reproductive well being therapy” is outlined within the invoice as any medical, surgical, or counseling service associated to sexual and reproductive well being, together with entry to contraceptives, prognosis and therapy of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) reminiscent of HIV/AIDS, sexual well being schooling, danger assessments, and counseling.
The laws has sparked debate over minors’ rights to autonomy in well being issues versus parental consent, with the Opposition urging extra complete public discourse earlier than any adjustments are enacted.
