Uganda's Activists Demand Change Amid Strict Abortion Laws

In Uganda, abortion is largely illegal, leading many women to resort to unsafe practices due to fear of imprisonment. The Ministry of Health has issued guidelines that allow for abortions in cases of fetal anomalies and rape, creating a contradiction with the penal code. This has raised concerns among medical professionals about the high maternal mortality rate linked to unsafe abortions. In 2008, it was reported that 8% of maternal deaths were due to unsafe procedures. Activists, like Oscar Muhoozi, advocate for reproductive rights and provide post-abortion care, highlighting the need for awareness and support for women facing these challenges. The tragic case of a young woman named Christine, who died from a dangerous abortion, underscores the dire consequences of restrictive laws. Activists are using social media to raise awareness and mark events like International Safe Abortion Day, emphasizing the importance of discussing these issues openly. The restrictive laws in Uganda prevent women from making choices about their own bodies, leading to preventable deaths and suffering.