On 24 June 2022, the US Supreme Court overturned Roe V Wade in a landmark ruling that removed the constitutional right to abortion.
The repeal means the US joins just three other countries - Poland, Nicaragua and El Salvador - that have removed legal grounds for abortion since 1994. In contrast, 61 other countries have liberalized abortion laws - some of which came in direct response to the repeal of Roe v Wade.
While we grapple with providing safe abortion care in these uncertain times, we are reminded that countries like the US, which have historically set the global abortion agenda, are no longer the right or the only leaders.
In Africa, we find ourselves at a critical juncture. Amidst these challenges, there have been significant triumphs that inspire hope for a future where reproductive justice is upheld. For example, one month after the US ruling last year, Sierra Leone approved a draft law to decriminalize abortion, in a monumental step towards the repeal of its colonial-era laws. Benin has also enacted one of the most progressive abortion laws in Africa, demonstrating the potential for change even in the face of adversity. In Kenya, the High Court ruled that safe abortion is a fundamental right, and that arbitrary arrests and prosecution for seeking or offering such services are completely illegal.
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Benin, Kenya, Sierra Leone, United States
These milestones remind us of the power of collective action and the importance of continued advocacy efforts - particularly in countries where voices and movements often go unheard.
But elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa, anti-rights governments, civil society organizations and opposition groups have intensified their efforts to challenge regional instruments like the Maputo Protocol, which was established in 2005 to guarantee extensive rights to African women and girls. Uganda’s recent enactment of its Anti-Homosexuality Act is a particularly stark example of this regression. In this climate, debates surrounding contraception, abortion, comprehensive sex education, gender, sexuality, and the role of the state have become increasingly contentious.
One year post-Roe, we are also witnessing a new wave of collective action. Motivated by the urgent need to protect existing progress and expand access to abortion care in Africa, organizations have begun to forge collaborative networks. These alliances, such as the recently established CATALYSTS consortium, set up by IPPF, Ipas, Centre for Reproductive Rights, Pop Council and FIGO, bring together diverse stakeholders from the continent.
Working together, these partners aim to strategize, leverage strengths, and minimize duplication of efforts in a resource-limited environment. Through knowledge-sharing, networking, and joint interventions, they strive to enhance the quality of reproductive health services and advocate for expanded access to abortion care.
Motivated by the urgent need to protect existing progress and expand access to abortion care in Africa, organizations have begun to forge collaborative networks.
At the same time, we must carefully navigate the push towards an exclusively public health-focused approach to sexual and reproductive issues. This is because a public health approach which focuses on the overall health and wellbeing of communities may not fully address the protection and promotion of individual human rights related to SRHR, including abortion. While the emphasis on public health outcomes is essential, ensuring that the fundamental rights of individuals are not overshadowed or compromised is non-negotiable.
But in the face of well-funded and ever-growing attacks from anti-women and anti-gender extremists globally, it is clear that our work fighting for sexual and reproductive rights is far from over. In fact, this work is inextricably linked with other global movements for human rights, social justice and equality.
These challenges demand collaboration, innovation, and unwavering dedication. By uniting in our efforts, we can protect and expand access to comprehensive abortion care, advocate for sexual and reproductive rights, and pave the way for a future where reproductive justice is a reality for all individuals across Africa, the US and beyond.
by
Mallah is the Lead, SRHR Architect of Cooperation at IPPF Africa Regional Office. Here, she supports the growth and development of Member Associations and Collaborative Partners while leading strategic direction and leadership on SRHR, and driving sustainable, innovative and cost-effective strategies to deliver quality, rights based and comprehensive SRHR information, services and programmes.