Sitting on a bench at a reproductive health clinic in one of the poorest parts of Madagascar’s capital city of Antananarivo were two nervous, pregnant 16-year-old girls. No longer in school, unsure how their lives were about to unfold, and preparing for the toll childbirth would have on their small bodies — thrust into premature adulthood when they’re still just kids.
They each walked about 40 minutes to the clinic — it’s the only free, one-of-its-kind clinic within a three-mile radius. They couldn't afford to pay for services at a clinic closer to their homes.