The number of young girls aged 13 and above accessing family planning services has increased.

Health workers say this marks a major shift in society compared to previous years.

Family planning is a part of reproductive health that allows a woman or a couple to control and space out their pregnancies.

Today, the number of young girls seeking advice and using family planning services has risen significantly.

Long-time nurse Norley Jack, who works at a Family Planning Clinic at Wan Smol Bag, says they receive around 20 patients each week.

Out of that number, one to two are young girls aged 13 and above.

Nurse Jack says this is a major change in society when it comes to sexual and reproductive health.

Some of the girls use the service with parental consent.

Many, however, come by their own choice because they are afraid of getting pregnant while being sexually active.

Family planning methods include the use of condoms, injections, pills, IUDs (loops), emergency pills, and implants like Jadelle, which last 3 to 5 years.

In many island cultures, it is taboo to speak with young people about such topics.

But that is changing, as organisations like the Vanuatu Family Health Association now run educational programs focused on reproductive health.

Emily Bovu, a longtime Reproductive Health nurse with Vanuatu Family Health, says young girls have every right to access these services.

She says the clinic provides services along with consultations.

“Young people are sexually active at this current age, especially when a girl starts having her period at the age of 10–12 years, so it’s very risky. When we look at the age, we need more consultations with them to take care of them, because any age starting from 11 upwards can get pregnant.”

She assures the public that the available methods are safe and have no long-term effects.

She says family planning helps young girls continue their education while maintaining relationships.

“It helps you stay healthy, hold down a good job, pursue further studies, and take care of yourself. It makes you happy. Family planning helps young girls avoid early pregnancies, while still allowing them to have children later. Evidence clearly shows that many who use these methods still go on to have children—just at the right time. Sometimes it delays pregnancy for a few years, but it doesn’t prevent it altogether.”

The Ministry of Health says family planning falls under the Vanuatu Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child & Adolescent Health Policy, Strategy & Implementation (RMNCAH), which allows girls as young as 13 to access services by their own choice.

The Ministry states this reflects the government’s vision to ensure that everyone—including young girls—can enjoy their rights and make informed decisions about their reproductive health.