“Underage mothers are a real phenomenon in Romania” –

Mara Calista – deputy PNL Neamț: “Underage mothers are a real phenomenon in Romania. What caused this? Among other things, including the lack of a firm decision on the introduction of sex education in schools. Thus, we would have been able to provide them with information from reliable sources, to know their bodies and to be able to protect themselves from unwanted pregnancies or sexually transmitted diseases.

However, where state institutions have failed, fortunately, civil society has stepped in. But it’s not enough! I would like to thank those from the Dream Project Romania Association, with whom, after several discussions and consultations, I initiated the draft law for the amendment and completion of Law no. 272/2004 on the protection and promotion of children’s rights.

The project went through the entire legislative process and today it was adopted with 234 votes.

• “Minor mothers, who have reached the age of 16, have the right to decide about their child, being able to sign documents of a medical and/or administrative nature related to the care, growth and development of the child.”

• “In the case of minor mothers who have reached the age of 16, the allowance for raising and caring for the child, the state allowance for the child, both of the mothers and of their child/children, as well as any other legal financial rights that the child benefits from / their children, is granted to mothers, upon their request.”