By RACHEAL NANKYA
Government has been urged to amend Uganda’s abortion laws to provide clearer guidance on access to safe abortion services
Counsel Editah Kamagara under Vista Foundation Uganda says that the existing laws focus more on managing complications after abortions than on preventing unsafe abortions
During a dialogue organized by the Health Journalists Network Uganda (HEJNU) in Kamwokya, Kamagara said Uganda’s legal framework contains gaps that leave both women and health workers vulnerable
Kamagara noted that post abortion care has already been integrated into the Ministry of Health’s new self care guidelines however the law remains unclear on circumstances under which safe abortion can be legally provided
She also said the guidelines recognise several situations including when a pregnancy threatens the life of the mother incases of severe fetal abnormalities, pregnancies resulting from rape, incest or defilement
According to Kamagara, advanced HIV that poses a serious threat to a woman’s life should be clearly stated in the guidelines instead of being broadly categorised under the risk to life provision
“There is a gap in the law we are allowing post abortion care after complications occur yet there is little clarity on safe abortion services that could prevent those complications in the first place,” she said
She said the current legal framework places health workers in a difficult position as medical personnels may encounter women whose lives are at risk but fear providing safe abortion services because of possible legal consequences under laws that criminalize abortion
The lawyer called on Uganda to learn from other countries that have developed clearer legal frameworks on abortion arguing that public health and women’s rights should remain at the center of the debate
Joyce Najjemba, a midwife at Mulago Specialised Women and Neonatal Hospital said unsafe abortion remains a significant public health challenge in Uganda
Najjemba also revealed that approximately six percent of maternal deaths in the country are linked to unsafe abortions
Najjemba explained that pregnancies ending before 26 weeks are medically classified as abortions or miscarriages noting that unsafe abortions often occur when women seek services from unqualified individuals in unhygienic environments
She said financial difficulties, stigma and unwanted pregnancies especially among young girls are some of the factors that push women to seek unsafe abortion services
Though there are circumstances under which termination of pregnancies may be medically necessary including severe pregnancy complications, high blood pressure, fetal abnormalities, pregnancies resulting from rape, incest, or defilement are among the situations recognized under existing legal and medical guidelines
Najjemba said women who arrive at health facilities with abortion related complications undergo thorough medical assessment including checks for blood loss, infections and possible damage to the uterus or surrounding organs
She said healthcare workers also provide treatment, family planning services and HIV testing and counselling where necessary
“We receive about 40 women every month with complications arising from miscarriages and abortions who come seeking our services,” Najjemba revealed.
She urged women to seek care from qualified health professionals whenever they experience pregnancy related complications
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