Can adolescent girls under 18 get Lenacapavir without parental consent?

Accessing healthcare as a young person can feel intimidating, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like HIV prevention. If you are an adolescent girl or young woman under 18 in South Africa, here is the clear free legal advice picture on whether you can get the six-month jab (Lenacapavir) on your own.

The short answer: Yes, from age 12

According to the South African Children’s Act, you do not need a parent’s permission to access “medical treatment” if you are 12 years or older.

Since the Department of Health and SAHPRA (the medicines regulator) classify PrEP, including the new injection, as a form of medical treatment for HIV prevention, you have the right to consent to it yourself. You can walk into a clinic, speak to a nurse, and start the process without your parents ever needing to sign a form.

The “Maturity” Rule

While the law says 12 is the magic number, there is one small condition. The healthcare worker (the nurse or doctor) needs to be sure that you have “sufficient maturity” to understand what the treatment is.

This doesn’t mean you need to be an expert. It just means the nurse will chat with you to make sure:

• You understand that it’s for prevention, not a cure.
• You know it needs to be done every six months.
• You understand the “loading” process (the tablets you take at the start).

As long as you can show you understand the benefits and the risks, the decision is yours.

What about confidentiality?

This is a big concern for many young women. In South Africa, your medical records are confidential. This means the clinic staff are not allowed to tell your parents or guardians that you are on PrEP unless you give them permission, or if there is a extreme life-threatening emergency.

When you go for the jab, you can expect a private space to talk. The nurses are trained to help young people stay safe and protected without making things difficult at home.

Weight Requirements

It is worth noting that while the legal age for consent is 12, there is a medical requirement for the jab. Currently, SAHPRA has approved Lenacapavir for anyone (adults and adolescents) who weighs at least 35kg. If you are very small for your age, the nurse might suggest sticking with the daily pills or a different method until you reach that weight.

If you’re 12 or older, the law is on your side. You have the right to protect your body and your future. You don’t need a parent to go with you, and you don’t need their signature to choose the six-month jab.