Tackling the burden of unsafe abortion in Uganda: the case for access to safe abortion as a human right

Abstract

In Uganda, the criminalization of abortion is entrenched in law, permitting termination of pregnancy solely when the life of the mother is at risk, as stipulated in the Penal Code Act. Ambiguous legislation and policy surrounding abortion have fostered an ongoing dispute among healthcare providers, law enforcement officials, judges, women and girls regarding their interpretation. Despite this legal ambiguity and the associated risks of inconsistent application, the country actively enforces abortion laws. Due to the prevailing legal restrictions on abortion and the substantial unmet need for contraception, numerous Ugandan women resort to unsafe abortion practices, often seeking assistance from untrained providers in clandestine clinics. These unregulated clinics offer procedures at a lower cost but are conducted in unhygienic environments by inadequately skilled practitioners. The World Health Organization classifies such procedures as "unsafe abortions," defined as terminations performed either by individuals lacking the necessary expertise or in environments lacking minimum medical standards, or both. Consequently, these unsafe practices contribute to a high incidence of severe complications and impose a significant burden on already strained healthcare resources. This research investigates the prevalence of unsafe abortions in Uganda and advocates for safe abortion as an inherent human right. It specifically explores the teachings of various religious groups within the country and analyzes the existing legal framework surrounding abortion across different jurisdictions. Recognizing that most abortions occur as a result of unintended pregnancies, this study emphasizes the importance of addressing the underlying causes rather than solely focusing on the effects of abortion. By understanding abortions as an effect, it becomes crucial to address the root causes in order to effectively prevent and mitigate their occurrence.