Moses Odongo, a public health advocate in Uganda, was devastated when his 14-year-old cousin Christine died attempting to terminate a pregnancy due to restrictive abortion laws. He is working to change these laws through his nonprofit organization, Family Medical Point. In Uganda, abortion is highly restricted, leading many women to resort to unsafe procedures that risk their lives. Doctors also fear imprisonment if they provide abortion services. The confusion around abortion laws in Uganda leads to a lack of access to safe procedures, resulting in unnecessary deaths. International Safe Abortion Day is marked in Uganda on September 28, with activists working to raise awareness and provide information on safe abortion practices. Policymakers in Uganda, including First Lady Janet Museveni, have expressed opposition to abortion, leading to concerns of even more restrictive laws. Grassroots initiatives, such as those conducted by Family Medical Point and the Uganda Network of Sex Worker-led Organizations, are helping to educate communities on safe sex practices and the dangers of unsafe abortion. Despite the emotional toll of the fight for safe abortion rights, activists in Uganda remain committed to advocating for the health and rights of women.
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