Direitos sexuais de crianças e adolescentes: Avanços e entraves

Abstract

This study is aimed to carry out discussions over the tense encounter between childhood/ adolescence and sexuality. The goal is to analyze in what way supporting care institutions for teenagers assure them their sexual and reproductive rights. The reflections we bring to attention were built from two field researches, conducted in education and health institutions. The analyzed data suggests that, in practical terms, it is difficult to ensure sexual rights of children and sexual and reproductive rights of teenagers, given that there is no differentiation between sexuality and genitality. This representation affects the understanding of the limits between autonomy and protection. It is understood that, to ensure these rights effectively, children and teenagers should participate in building a theoretic-practical concept.