HRAPF Publishes Abortion Research Brief

In 2016, HRAPF published a research report on the enforcement of criminal abortion laws in Uganda, and how such implementation affects the rights of women and health workers. The research was conducted in the districts of Kampala and Kitgum and it found out that indeed, abortion laws are being implemented. It also found that as expected, the manner in which these laws are implemented grossly violates the rights of women, girls and health workers. Some of the rights violated include the right to privacy, the right to equality and freedom from discrimination, the right to dignity and freedom from cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, the right to liberty etc. Among other things, the laws are often used to extort bribes and embarrass victims, instead of a prosecutorial purpose.

The report makes recommendations to different stakeholders including Parliament, the Uganda Law Reform Commission, the Ministry of Health, Civil Society Organizations among others. The recommendations are ultimately aimed at improving Uganda’s legal and policy framework on abortion, to increase access to safe and legal abortions.

In a bid to ensure that the report findings reach as many people as possible, HRAPF has published a research brief, which is a summary of the research report. It summarizes the findings and recommendations in the main research report. The purpose of the brief is to provide quick access to the findings of the research report, to ease availability and understanding. We hope to use it as an effective tool for advocacy and a reliable source of information on the enforcement of criminal abortion laws in Uganda.

The brief is available on our website and at our offices.