Young Voices Drive Health Bill Forward at 5th National Children’s Parliament

Young parliamentarians in Belize made their voices heard on Friday, 14th November 2025 at the Fifth Annual National Children’s Parliament in Belmopan.

The special sitting at the National Assembly brought together young parliamentarians, Members of Parliament, teachers, principals, and parents to debate issues affecting children and adolescents.

The annual session coincides with Universal Children’s Month and the launch of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, including the International Day to Eliminate Violence Against Women on 25th November, and focuses on themes of “protection, dignity and empowerment.”

In today’s agenda was the introduction of the Adolescent Preventive Health Protection Bill, designed to allow adolescents to independently access preventive health services and information. The bill also requires health practitioners to consider Frazer guidelines when assessing competence, protects confidentiality, and mandates adolescent-friendly standards in health facilities. The bill has cabinet approval and is now before the House.

The proposal prompted robust debate. Leader of the Opposition Gracelyn Gutierrez said, “From the outset the principle of ensuring that our young people have better access to health services is one that in theory every member of this side of the court can support… However… we must scrutinize the methods proposed in this draft bill.”

Gutierrez voiced concerns that granting adolescents aged 14 and older access to services, including vaccination, mental health screening, counselling, and sexual health services without parental consent, could undermine family involvement.

Prime Minister Cameera Caliz defended the bill, stating, “Many parents work long hours, or some often juggle multiple jobs… Topics such as mental health and sexual health are often considered taboo, leaving these young adolescents without spaces to voice their opinions and concerns. Silence and shame are not strategies for protection.”

During the Senate Sitting, senators also voiced their opinions.

Business Senator Jamilah Usher spoke on the economic impact of preventable illnesses on Belizean families. She said, “There’s not a day that goes by that someone in Belize is not spending money on fundraisers. Many preventative illnesses have highly effective treatments but are very costly.”

Usher warned that without the bill, medical costs will continue to rise and children’s health will be compromised.

NGO Senator Darryl Canul also supported the bill. “One life lost is too many. This bill is not a rejection of family involvement but an opportunity to strengthen how we support both families and youths. When communication fails, the system must still protect, not punish.”

“The NGO supports this bill because it affirms the right to every young Belizean to health and dignity,” Canul added.

The Annual National Children’s Parliament is a collaboration with the National Commission for Families and Children, the Office of the Special Envoy for Women and Children, UNICEF, and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology.