A new Afrobarometer survey has revealed strong public support in São Tomé and Príncipe for women’s reproductive autonomy, sexuality education in schools, and wider access to contraceptives.

The findings come amid ongoing concerns over high adolescent pregnancy rates and limited access to reproductive health services in the island nation.

According to the survey, 88% of respondents said women and girls should decide for themselves whether and when to marry, while 85% said women should independently decide when and how many children to have.

Support was particularly strong among women, with 91% backing women’s autonomy in marriage decisions compared to 86% of men.

The survey also showed broad backing for sexuality education and continued schooling for pregnant learners. Nearly nine in 10 respondents (88%) supported sexuality education in schools, while 84% agreed that girls who become pregnant or have children should be allowed to continue their education.

On access to contraceptives, 81% said contraceptives should be available to anyone who is sexually active regardless of marital status, while 73% supported access regardless of age.

Afrobarometer noted that support for contraception access was generally higher among younger and more educated respondents.

The survey further found growing acceptance of abortion in certain circumstances. About 77% of respondents said terminating a pregnancy could be justified if the woman’s life or health was at risk, while 69% supported abortion in cases of rape or incest.

Slim majorities also said abortion could be justified if a woman was unable to care for a child due to economic hardship (57%) or if the pregnancy was unwanted for any reason (57%).

Researchers said the findings reflect increasingly progressive public attitudes toward sexual and reproductive health and rights in São Tomé and Príncipe, despite persistent social and healthcare challenges.

–ChannelAfrica–