We believe consent begins with awareness.
That’s why we support voluntary, community-led efforts to educate people about their choices before parenthood — not through heavy-handed state policies, but by equipping individuals with tools to make responsible, informed decisions.
From relationship guidance to conversations at antenatal appointments, consent-based parenting starts with understanding.
This is about empowerment, not enforcement.
✅ What Is It?
Early Consent & Education refers to the proactive effort to help people understand their rights, responsibilities, and reproductive choices before parenthood occurs. It ensures that consent to parenthood is informed, intentional, and grounded in real understanding — not assumption or pressure.
📝 How It Works
- Outreach and Education Information about the Declaration of Intent to Parent and Parental Responsibility Agreements (PRA) is made available through:
- Schools and youth education programs
- Sexual health clinics
- Antenatal appointments
- Marriage registration
- Community centres and online platforms
- Informed Decision-Making Materials clearly explain:
- What it means to legally declare intent to parent
- The long-term financial and legal obligations involved
- The importance of mutual consent in family planning
- Optional Guidance and Support Individuals can access support services to help them understand their choices — including legal clinics, relationship counselling, and parental planning tools through existing organisations.
⚖️ Why It Matters
- Empowers individuals to make informed, responsible decisions
- Reduces misunderstandings and future conflict
- Promotes bodily autonomy, financial clarity, and shared responsibility
💡 Real Impact
Many people become parents without ever having had a clear conversation about what that means. Some feel trapped by unintended outcomes; others walk away from responsibility entirely.
Early education helps prevent this by ensuring every choice — from contraception to caregiving — is made with awareness and intention. It lays the groundwork for a fairer, more respectful system of family responsibility.