Moses Odongo, founder of Family Medical Point in Uganda, recently experienced the tragic death of his 14-year-old cousin, Christine, who died trying to terminate an unwanted pregnancy due to restrictive abortion laws. The ambiguity of Uganda’s laws leads to confusion and fear among doctors and women seeking care, resulting in dangerous and often fatal procedures. Despite the government providing post-abortion care, the lack of clear legislation and societal stigma create barriers to safe abortion access.
On International Safe Abortion Day, activists in Uganda are working to raise awareness of the dangers of unsafe abortions, hosting information sessions and advocating for reproductive rights. Despite opposition from religious and political leaders, grassroots initiatives aim to provide support and resources to women facing unplanned pregnancies.
Stories like that of Irene Nakate, a sex worker who survived a dangerous abortion, highlight the urgent need for safe abortion access in Uganda. With advocates pushing for clearer laws and increased education about reproductive health, the hope is to prevent unnecessary deaths and trauma.
The emotional toll of unsafe abortions is felt deeply by those working on the front lines of this issue. As they commemorate lives lost to unsafe procedures, activists in Uganda are determined to continue fighting for the rights of women and girls to make choices about their own bodies.
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