PRESS RELEASE:
Uganda marks International Safe Abortion Day amidst calls for reform
Kampala, Uganda – As Uganda commemorates International Safe Abortion Day on September 28, the country grapples with the tragic consequences of restrictive abortion laws. The recent death of a 14-year-old girl, Christine, while attempting to terminate an unwanted pregnancy has reignited calls for reform.
Christine’s tragic passing, as recounted by her cousin Moses Odongo, highlights the dangers faced by women seeking abortions in Uganda. The lack of clarity in the country’s laws, criminalizing both women and doctors involved in the procedure, has led to a public health crisis.
The ambiguity surrounding abortion laws, coupled with the stigma and fear of imprisonment, has resulted in women resorting to unsafe methods to terminate pregnancies. The consequences of these actions are often fatal, with many women losing their lives due to complications from unsafe abortions.
Activists and organizations, such as Family Medical Point and the Uganda Network of Sex Worker-led Organizations (UNESO), are working tirelessly to raise awareness about the dangers of unsafe abortions and advocate for safe access to reproductive health services.
Despite the challenges faced by abortion rights advocates in Uganda, efforts to provide information, contraceptives, and post-abortion care are ongoing. International Safe Abortion Day serves as a platform to amplify these voices and mobilize support for comprehensive reproductive health services.
As the country grapples with the devastating impact of unsafe abortions, activists remain steadfast in their commitment to challenging restrictive laws and ensuring that women have the right to make informed choices about their bodies.
For more information on International Safe Abortion Day activities in Uganda, please contact:
– Family Medical Point
– Uganda Network of Sex Worker-led Organizations (UNESO)
Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
