Unsafe abortions have become a silent but deadly crisis among Ugandan schoolgirls. Despite the alarming statistics and life-threatening consequences, this issue remains largely shrouded in silence due to a complex interplay of restrictive laws, religious conservatism, and societal stigma.
At a recent health session Family Medical Point delivered in a secondary school, the majority of girls told us they would consider abortion if faced with an unplanned pregnancy. However, none of them mentioned seeking support from a health professional or care facility. This highlights the desperate situation these young girls find themselves in, forced to resort to dangerous and often fatal methods to end unwanted pregnancies.
Several factors contribute to the crisis of unsafe abortions amongst young women.
Uganda’s abortion laws are unclear and contradictory, creating a legal vacuum that hinders access to safe procedures. While the constitution does not explicitly prohibit abortion, the powerful influence of religious institutions has led to a restrictive interpretation of the law.
Many schools in Uganda either prohibit sex education or provide inadequate and inaccurate information. This leaves young people ill-prepared to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. Adolescent girls face significant barriers in accessing contraceptives, increasing the risk of unintended pregnancies.
Abortion is a taboo subject in many Ugandan communities, with girls who seek them often facing ostracism and judgment.
Unsafe abortions have severe health consequences, including infertility, infection, and even death. Adolescent girls are particularly vulnerable to these complications due to their developing bodies. Addressing this crisis requires clear and progressive abortion laws that prioritize women’s health and rights. Schools must implement age-appropriate sex education programs that provide accurate information about reproductive health, contraception, and abortion.
As abortion rights activists we need to continue advocating for affordable and accessible contraceptives to be available to all young people.
Open dialogue about abortion is essential to challenge misconceptions and to create a supportive environment for girls.
The silence surrounding unsafe abortions among schoolgirls is a heartbreaking reality and a stark reminder of the inequalities and injustices faced by young women in many parts of the world.
Family Medical Point is at the forefront of combating this crisis in schools located in fishing communities. We do this through comprehensive ‘musawo sessions’ (health education) to normalize the conversations on abortion and sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Also, media advocacy to change the narrative on abortion, mobile clinics to extend SRH services to the underserved, and community outreaches to provide young women with the knowledge, resources, and support they need.
Personally, witnessing the struggles of young girls grappling with unintended pregnancies and those whose lives were irrevocably altered by an unsafe abortion has been a driving force in my work. Their stories, like countless others, highlight the urgent need for comprehensive sexual education, accessible healthcare, and supportive communities. I am committed to working tirelessly to create a future where every young woman has the right to control her own body and future.
It is time to break the silence and take decisive action to protect young women’s futures.
By Nabwire Polyne, Programs and Communications Coordinator at Family Medical Point – a SAAF grantee partner in Uganda.