Grenada to lower age of civil consent for sexual and reproductive health care

The Government of Grenada has announced plans to lower the age of civil liability from 18 to 16, paving the way for minors to independently access sexual and reproductive health treatments without requiring parental or guardian consent.

The proposed legislation, titled the Age of Civil Legal Responsibility Amendment Act, 2025, is scheduled to be debated in the House of Representatives on July 24. If passed, the amendment would make it legally clear that individuals aged 16 and older can consent to medical procedures related to sexual and reproductive health, and that such consent would carry the same legal weight as that of an adult.

The legislation also empowers the responsible minister — in consultation with the Minister of Health — to further extend civil consent rights to minors as young as 12, in specific cases deemed appropriate by ministerial order. These minors would also be able to access approved diagnostic procedures and treatments without adult approval.

The bill defines "sexual and reproductive health treatment" broadly to include any medical, surgical, or counselling service aimed at supporting an individual’s reproductive well-being. This may include contraceptive access, menstrual health management, sexual health education, and risk assessments.

The proposed changes come in the context of Grenada’s Criminal Code, which already sets the age of consent for sexual activity at 16 years. Government officials say the amendment is aimed at aligning civil and health rights with existing legal realities while ensuring that young people can make informed decisions about their health.

If enacted, Grenada would join a growing list of Caribbean and global jurisdictions working to expand youth access to reproductive health care in an effort to promote autonomy, early intervention, and improved public health outcomes.