Global Abortion Policies Database
A tool to expand knowledge, encourage transparency, and promote accountability.
| Country or Region | |
|---|---|
Uganda |
Not Specified
Read more On requestNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. This legal ground recognizes a woman’s free choice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.6.
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| Country | Economic or social reasons |
Foetal impairment |
Rape |
Incest |
Intellectual or cognitive disability of the woman |
Mental health |
Physical health |
Health |
Life |
Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Uganda |
Economic or social reasonsNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. WHO defines health for member states as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.5.
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Foetal impairmentThe Constitution states: “No person has the right to terminate the life of an unborn child except as may be authorized by law.” The National Policy Guidelines and Service Standards for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (Ministry of Health 2006) list the following as “people who can get services for termination of pregnancy”: severe maternal illnesses threatening the health of a pregnant woman e.g. severe cardiac disease, renal disease, severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia; severe foetal abnormalities which are not compatible with extra-uterine life e.g. molar pregnancy, anencephaly; cancer cervix; HIV-positive women requesting for termination; rape, incest and defilement. These are not noted as legal grounds on which induced abortion is permitted since the document in which they are set out is a policy document and not a law, as specified in the Constitution. It is not clear whether the 2006 version, or later versions, are currently in force. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. A woman is entitled to know the status of her pregnancy and to act on this information; health protection or social reasons can be interpreted to include distress of the pregnant woman caused by the diagnosis of fetal impairment. Prenatal tests and other medical diagnostic services cannot legally be refused because the woman may decide to terminate her pregnancy. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.4.
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RapeThe Constitution states: “No person has the right to terminate the life of an unborn child except as may be authorized by law.” The National Policy Guidelines and Service Standards for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (Ministry of Health 2006) list the following as “people who can get services for termination of pregnancy”: severe maternal illnesses threatening the health of a pregnant woman e.g. severe cardiac disease, renal disease, severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia; severe foetal abnormalities which are not compatible with extra-uterine life e.g. molar pregnancy, anencephaly; cancer cervix; HIV-positive women requesting for termination; rape, incest and defilement. These are not noted as legal grounds on which induced abortion is permitted since the document in which they are set out is a policy document and not a law, as specified in the Constitution. It is not clear whether the 2006 version, or later versions, are currently in force. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The protection of women from cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment requires that those who have become pregnant as the result of coerced or forced sexual acts can lawfully access safe abortion services. Prompt, safe abortion services should be provided on the basis of a woman’s complaint rather than requiring forensic evidence or police examination. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.3.
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IncestThe Constitution states: “No person has the right to terminate the life of an unborn child except as may be authorized by law.” The National Policy Guidelines and Service Standards for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (Ministry of Health 2006) list the following as “people who can get services for termination of pregnancy”: severe maternal illnesses threatening the health of a pregnant woman e.g. severe cardiac disease, renal disease, severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia; severe foetal abnormalities which are not compatible with extra-uterine life e.g. molar pregnancy, anencephaly; cancer cervix; HIV-positive women requesting for termination; rape, incest and defilement. These are not noted as legal grounds on which induced abortion is permitted since the document in which they are set out is a policy document and not a law, as specified in the Constitution. It is not clear whether the 2006 version, or later versions, are currently in force. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The protection of women from cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment requires that those who have become pregnant as the result of coerced or forced sexual acts can lawfully access safe abortion services. Prompt, safe abortion services should be provided on the basis of a woman’s complaint rather than requiring forensic evidence or police examination. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.3.
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Intellectual or cognitive disability of the womanNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents: |
Mental healthNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The scope of mental health includes psychological distress or mental suffering caused by, for example, coerced or forced sexual acts and diagnosis of severe fetal impairment. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.2.
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Physical healthNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Physical health is widely understood to include conditions that aggravate pregnancy and those aggravated by pregnancy. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.2.
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HealthThe Constitution states: “No person has the right to terminate the life of an unborn child except as may be authorized by law.” The National Policy Guidelines and Service Standards for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (Ministry of Health 2006) list the following as “people who can get services for termination of pregnancy”: severe maternal illnesses threatening the health of a pregnant woman e.g. severe cardiac disease, renal disease, severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia; severe foetal abnormalities which are not compatible with extra-uterine life e.g. molar pregnancy, anencephaly; cancer cervix; HIV-positive women requesting for termination; rape, incest and defilement. These are not noted as legal grounds on which induced abortion is permitted since the document in which they are set out is a policy document and not a law, as specified in the Constitution. It is not clear whether the 2006 version, or later versions, are currently in force. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The fulfillment of human rights requires that women can access safe abortion when it is indicated to protect their health. WHO defines health for member states as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.2.
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Gestational limit appliesNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The human right to life requires protection by law, including when pregnancy is life-threatening or a pregnant woman’s life is otherwise endangered. Both medical and social conditions can constitute life-threatening conditions. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.1.
Laws or policies that impose time limits on the length of pregnancy may have negative consequences for women, including forcing them to seek clandestine abortions and suffer social inequities. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.7.
Additional notesThe Penal Code Act provides in section 224, on surgical operations: “A person is not criminally responsible for performing in good faith and with reasonable care and skill a surgical operation upon any person for his or her benefit, or upon an unborn child for the preservation of the mother’s life, if the performance of the operation is reasonable, having regard to the patient’s state at the time, and to all the circumstances of the case.” |
OtherSurgical operation performed in good faith and with reasonable care and skill upon an unborn child for the preservation of the mother’s life, if the performance of the operation is reasonable, having regard to the patient’s state at the time, and to all the circumstances of the case Related documents: |
| Country | Authorization of health professional(s) |
Authorization in specially licensed facilities only |
Judicial authorization for minors |
Judicial authorization in cases of rape |
Police report required in case of rape |
Parental consent required for minors |
Spousal consent |
Ultrasound images or listen to foetal heartbeat required |
Compulsory counselling |
Compulsory waiting period |
Mandatory HIV screening test |
Other mandatory STI screening tests |
Prohibition of sex-selective abortion |
Restrictions on information provided to the public |
Restrictions on methods to detect sex of the foetus |
Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Uganda |
No data
Authorization of health professional(s)No data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Third-party authorization should not be required for women to obtain abortion services. The requirement for authorization by hospital authorities may violate the right to privacy and women’s access to health care on the basis of equality of men and women. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.2.
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No data
Authorization in specially licensed facilities onlyNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Restrictions on the range of providers or facilities that are authorized to provide abortion reduce the availability of services and their equitable geographic distribution. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.4.
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No data
Judicial authorization for minorsNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Third-party authorization should not be required for women to obtain abortion services. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.
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Judicial authorization in cases of rapeNot applicable WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Laws, policies and practices that restrict access to abortion information and services can deter women from care seeking and create a “chilling effect” (suppression of actions because of fear of reprisals or penalties) for the provision of safe, legal services. Examples of barriers include: requiring third-party authorization from one or more medical professionals or a hospital committee, court or police, parent or guardian or a woman’s partner or spouse. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2
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Police report required in case of rapeNot applicable WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Laws, policies and practices that restrict access to abortion information and services can deter women from care seeking and create a “chilling effect” (suppression of actions because of fear of reprisals or penalties) for the provision of safe, legal services. Examples of barriers include: requiring third-party authorization from one or more medical professionals or a hospital committee, court or police, parent or guardian or a woman’s partner or spouse. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2
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No data
Parental consent required for minorsNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Third-party authorization should not be required for women to obtain abortion services. The requirement for authorization by parents may violate the right to privacy and women’s access to health care on the basis of equality of men and women. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.2.
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No data
Spousal consentNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Third-party authorization should not be required for women to obtain abortion services. The requirement for authorization by a spouse may violate the right to privacy and women’s access to health care on the basis of equality of men and women. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.2.
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No data
Ultrasound images or listen to foetal heartbeat requiredNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Regulatory, policy and programmatic barriers, one example of which is the requirement for mandatory ultrasound prior to abortion, that hinder access to and timely provision of safe abortion care should be removed. Safe Abortion Guidelines, Executive Summary, Box 7 - Recommendation.
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No data
Compulsory counsellingNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Many women have made a decision to have an abortion before seeking care, and this decision should be respected without subjecting a woman to mandatory counselling. Provision of counselling to women who desire it should be voluntary, confidential, non-directive and by a trained person. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 2.1.8.1.
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No data
Compulsory waiting periodNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. States should consider eliminating waiting periods that are not medically required, and expanding services to serve all eligible women promptly. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.6.
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No data
Mandatory HIV screening testNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Requirements for HIV and other tests that are not clinically indicated are potential service-delivery barriers. Safe Abortion Guidelines, p 88.
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No data
Other mandatory STI screening testsNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Requirements for HIV and other tests that are not clinically indicated are potential service-delivery barriers. Safe Abortion Guidelines, p 88.
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No data
Prohibition of sex-selective abortionNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. In situations where abortion is restricted for sex selection purposes, terminating a pregnancy for this reason is likely to involve an unsafe procedure carrying high risks. Any policies or guidelines on the use of technology in obstetric and fetal medicine should take into account the need to ensure women’s access to safe abortion and other services - efforts to manage or limit sex selection should also not hamper or limit access to safe abortion services. Preventing gender-biased sex selection: an interagency statement, p 10 - Recommendation.
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No data
Restrictions on information provided to the publicNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. States should refrain from limiting access to means of maintaining sexual and reproductive health, including censoring, withholding or intentionally misrepresenting health-related information. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.7.
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No data
Restrictions on methods to detect sex of the foetusNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. A woman is entitled to know the status of her pregnancy and to act on this information. Prenatal tests and other medical diagnostic services cannot legally be refused because the woman may decide to terminate her pregnancy. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.4.
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Other |
| Country | National guidelines for induced abortion |
Methods allowed |
Country recognized approval (mifepristone / mife-misoprostol) |
Country recognized approval (misoprostol) |
Where can abortion services be provided |
National guidelines for post-abortion care |
Where can post abortion care services be provided |
Contraception included in post-abortion care |
Insurance to offset end user costs |
Who can provide abortion services |
Extra facility/provider requirements for delivery of abortion services |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Uganda |
National guidelines for induced abortionNo data foundWhere there is evidence of the existence of a source document that could not be accessed, including those that could not be translated for any reason, this information is provided in an accompanying note. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Standards and guidelines should be developed and updated with the intent of eliminating barriers to obtaining the highest attainable standard of sexual and reproductive health. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 3.3. Standards and guidelines should cover: types of abortion service, where and by whom they can be provided; essential equipment, instruments, medications, supplies and facility capabilities; referral mechanisms; respect for women’s informed decision-making, autonomy, confidentiality and privacy. Safe Abortion Guidelines, p. 63.
Additional notesA document entitled “Reducing Morbidity and Mortality from Unsafe Abortion in Uganda: Standards and Guidelines, 2015” was published by the Ministry of Health in April 2015 but the implementation of the Guidelines was reportedly subsequently suspended. No further information on the status of the guidelines was obtained. |
Methods allowedVacuum aspirationNo data found A document entitled “Reducing Morbidity and Mortality from Unsafe Abortion in Uganda: Standards and Guidelines, 2015” was published by the Ministry of Health in April 2015 but the implementation of the Guidelines was reportedly subsequently suspended. No further information on the status of the guidelines was obtained. Dilatation and evacuationNo data found A document entitled “Reducing Morbidity and Mortality from Unsafe Abortion in Uganda: Standards and Guidelines, 2015” was published by the Ministry of Health in April 2015 but the implementation of the Guidelines was reportedly subsequently suspended. No further information on the status of the guidelines was obtained. Combination mifepristone-misoprostolNo data found A document entitled “Reducing Morbidity and Mortality from Unsafe Abortion in Uganda: Standards and Guidelines, 2015” was published by the Ministry of Health in April 2015 but the implementation of the Guidelines was reportedly subsequently suspended. No further information on the status of the guidelines was obtained. Misoprostol onlyNo data found A document entitled “Reducing Morbidity and Mortality from Unsafe Abortion in Uganda: Standards and Guidelines, 2015” was published by the Ministry of Health in April 2015 but the implementation of the Guidelines was reportedly subsequently suspended. No further information on the status of the guidelines was obtained. Other (where provided)
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Vacuum aspiration is the recommended technique of surgical abortion for pregnancies of up to 12 to 14 weeks of gestation. The procedure should not be routinely completed by dilatation and sharp curettage (D&C). Safe Abortion Guidelines, Executive Summary, Box 1- Recommendation.
Dilatation and evacuation (D&E) and medical methods (mifepristone and misoprostol; misoprostol alone) are both recommended methods for abortion for gestations over 12 to 14 weeks. Safe Abortion Guidelines, Executive Summary, Box 3- Recommendation.
The recommended method for medical abortion is mifepristone followed by misoprostol (regimen differs by gestational age). Safe Abortion Guidelines, Executive Summary, Box 2- Recommendation.
Where mifepristone is not available, the recommended method for medical abortion is misoprostol (regimen differs by gestational age). Safe Abortion Guidelines, Executive Summary, Box 2- Recommendation.
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Country recognized approval (mifepristone / mife-misoprostol)Yes Related documents:Pharmacy selling or distributionNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The combination of mifepristone and misoprostol for medical abortion is included on the WHO model list of essential medicines. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 2.2.5
Chemists/pharmacists can help women avoid unintended pregnancy through provision of accurate contraceptive information, pregnancy tests, contraceptive methods and referral to safe abortion services. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 3.3.1.1.
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Country recognized approval (misoprostol)Yes, for gynaecological indications Misoprostol allowed to be sold or distributed by pharmacies or drug storesNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The combination of mifepristone and misoprostol for medical abortion is included on the WHO model list of essential medicines. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 2.2.5
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Where can abortion services be providedThe 2006 National Guidelines and Standards for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights stipulates that medical and surgical inductions may be undertaken by the following cadre: medical officers and gynae/surgeon. Nurses and midwives may undertake medical inductions and evacuation for incomplete abortion. It is not clear whether the 2006 version, or later versions, are currently in force. Primary health-care centresThe 2006 National Guidelines and Standards for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights stipulates that aspects of comprehensive abortion care can be carried out in community outreach activities, HCII-III, HC IV, general hospitals and referral hospitals. It is not clear whether the 2006 version, or later versions, are currently in force. Secondary (district-level) health-care facilitiesThe 2006 National Guidelines and Standards for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights stipulates that aspects of comprehensive abortion care can be carried out in community outreach activities, HCII-III, HC IV, general hospitals and referral hospitals. It is not clear whether the 2006 version, or later versions, are currently in force. Specialized abortion care public facilitiesThe 2006 National Guidelines and Standards for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights stipulates that aspects of comprehensive abortion care can be carried out in community outreach activities, HCII-III, HC IV, general hospitals and referral hospitals. It is not clear whether the 2006 version, or later versions, are currently in force. Private health-care centres or clinicsThe 2006 National Guidelines and Standards for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights stipulates that aspects of comprehensive abortion care can be carried out in community outreach activities, HCII-III, HC IV, general hospitals and referral hospitals. It is not clear whether the 2006 version, or later versions, are currently in force. NGO health-care centres or clinicsThe 2006 National Guidelines and Standards for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights stipulates that aspects of comprehensive abortion care can be carried out in community outreach activities, HCII-III, HC IV, general hospitals and referral hospitals. It is not clear whether the 2006 version, or later versions, are currently in force. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Abortion services should be available at primary-care level, with referral systems in place for all required higher-level care. Safe Abortion Guidelines, Executive Summary, Box 6- Recommendation.
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National guidelines for post-abortion careNo data foundWhere there is evidence of the existence of a source document that could not be accessed, including those that could not be translated for any reason, this information is provided in an accompanying note. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Standards and guidelines should be developed and updated with the intent of eliminating barriers to obtaining the highest attainable standard of sexual and reproductive health. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 3.3. Standards and guidelines should cover: types of abortion service, where and by whom they can be provided; essential equipment, instruments, medications, supplies and facility capabilities; referral mechanisms; respect for women’s informed decision-making, autonomy, confidentiality and privacy. Safe Abortion Guidelines, p. 63.
Additional notesA document entitled “Reducing Morbidity and Mortality from Unsafe Abortion in Uganda: Standards and Guidelines, 2015” was published by the Ministry of Health in April 2015 but the implementation of the Guidelines was reportedly subsequently suspended. No further information on the status of the guidelines was obtained. |
Where can post abortion care services be providedPrimary health-care centresThe 2006 National Guidelines and Standards for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights stipulates that post abortion care services are to be provided in all hospitals and health centers where there are doctors, midwives and clinical officers trained in comprehensive abortion care and where the minimum hygienic standards are met. It is not clear whether the 2006 version, or later versions, are currently in force. Secondary (district-level) health-care facilitiesThe 2006 National Guidelines and Standards for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights stipulates that post abortion care services are to be provided in all hospitals and health centers where there are doctors, midwives and clinical officers trained in comprehensive abortion care and where the minimum hygienic standards are met. It is not clear whether the 2006 version, or later versions, are currently in force. Specialized abortion care public facilitiesThe 2006 National Guidelines and Standards for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights stipulates that post abortion care services are to be provided in all hospitals and health centers where there are doctors, midwives and clinical officers trained in comprehensive abortion care and where the minimum hygienic standards are met. It is not clear whether the 2006 version, or later versions, are currently in force. Private health-care centres or clinicsThe 2006 National Guidelines and Standards for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights stipulates that post abortion care services are to be provided in all hospitals and health centers where there are doctors, midwives and clinical officers trained in comprehensive abortion care and where the minimum hygienic standards are met. It is not clear whether the 2006 version, or later versions, are currently in force. NGO health-care centres or clinicsThe 2006 National Guidelines and Standards for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights stipulates that post abortion care services are to be provided in all hospitals and health centers where there are doctors, midwives and clinical officers trained in comprehensive abortion care and where the minimum hygienic standards are met. It is not clear whether the 2006 version, or later versions, are currently in force. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The facilities and skills required to manage most abortion complications are similar to those needed to care for women who have had a spontaneous abortion (miscarriage). Safe Abortion Guidelines § 2.2.6.
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Contraception included in post-abortion careYes The 2006 National Guidelines and Standards for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights stipulates that post abortion care includes post abortion family planning and counseling (breaking the cycle of abortions through using proper contraception). It is not clear whether the 2006 version, or later versions, are currently in force. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. All women should receive contraceptive information and be offered counselling for and methods of post-abortion contraception, including emergency contraception, before leaving the health-care facility. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 2.3.
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Insurance to offset end user costsThe 2006 National Guidelines and Standards for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights stipulates that medical and surgical inductions may be undertaken by the following cadre: medical officers and gynae/surgeon. Nurses and midwives may undertake medical inductions and evacuation for incomplete abortion. It is not clear whether the 2006 version, or later versions, are currently in force. Other (if applicable)
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Financing of abortion services should take into account costs to the health system while ensuring that services are affordable and readily available to all women who need them. Safe Abortion Guidelines, Executive Summary, Box 6 - Recommendation. Abortion services should be mandated for coverage under insurance plans; women should never be denied or delayed because of the inability to pay. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 3.6.2.
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Who can provide abortion servicesThe 2006 National Guidelines and Standards for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights stipulates that medical and surgical inductions may be undertaken by the following cadre: medical officers and gynae/surgeon. Nurses and midwives may undertake medical inductions and evacuation for incomplete abortion. It is not clear whether the 2006 version, or later versions, are currently in force. NurseThe 2006 National Guidelines and Standards for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights stipulates that medical and surgical inductions may be undertaken by the following cadre: medical officers and gynae/surgeon. Nurses and midwives may undertake medical inductions and evacuation for incomplete abortion. It is not clear whether the 2006 version, or later versions, are currently in force. Midwife/nurse-midwifeThe 2006 National Guidelines and Standards for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights stipulates that medical and surgical inductions may be undertaken by the following cadre: medical officers and gynae/surgeon. Nurses and midwives may undertake medical inductions and evacuation for incomplete abortion. It is not clear whether the 2006 version, or later versions, are currently in force. Doctor (specialty not specified)The 2006 National Guidelines and Standards for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights stipulates that medical and surgical inductions may be undertaken by the following cadre: medical officers and gynae/surgeon. Nurses and midwives may undertake medical inductions and evacuation for incomplete abortion. It is not clear whether the 2006 version, or later versions, are currently in force. Specialist doctor, including OB/GYNThe 2006 National Guidelines and Standards for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights stipulates that medical and surgical inductions may be undertaken by the following cadre: medical officers and gynae/surgeon. Nurses and midwives may undertake medical inductions and evacuation for incomplete abortion. It is not clear whether the 2006 version, or later versions, are currently in force. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Subject to gestational age and method, abortion care can be safely provided by any properly trained health-care provider, including specialist doctors, non-specialist doctors; associate and advanced associate clinicians; midwives; and nurses. Health Worker Roles in Safe Abortion Care, p 33- Recommendation.
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Extra facility/provider requirements for delivery of abortion servicesReferral linkages to a higher-level facilityNo data found Availability of a specialist doctor, including OB/GYNNo data found Minimum number of bedsNo data found Other (if applicable)WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Abortion facilities within both the public and private sectors should be available at all levels of the health system, with appropriate referral mechanisms between facilities. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 3.3.1.
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| Country | Public sector providers |
Private sector providers |
Provider type not specified |
Neither Type of Provider Permitted |
Public facilities |
Private facilities |
Facility type not specified |
Neither Type of Facility Permitted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Uganda |
No data
Public sector providersNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Health-care professionals who claim conscientious objection must refer the woman to another willing and trained provider in the same, or another easily accessible health-care facility. Where referral is not possible, the health-care professional who objects, must provide safe abortion to save the woman’s life, to prevent serious injury to her health and provide urgent care when women present with complications from an unsafe or illegal abortion. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.5.
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No data
Private sector providersNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Health-care professionals who claim conscientious objection must refer the woman to another willing and trained provider in the same, or another easily accessible health-care facility. Where referral is not possible, the health-care professional who objects, must provide safe abortion to save the woman’s life, to prevent serious injury to her health and provide urgent care when women present with complications from an unsafe or illegal abortion. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.5.
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No data
Provider type not specifiedNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Health-care professionals who claim conscientious objection must refer the woman to another willing and trained provider in the same, or another easily accessible health-care facility. Where referral is not possible, the health-care professional who objects, must provide safe abortion to save the woman’s life, to prevent serious injury to her health and provide urgent care when women present with complications from an unsafe or illegal abortion. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.5.
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No data
Neither Type of Provider PermittedNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. Health-care professionals who claim conscientious objection must refer the woman to another willing and trained provider in the same, or another easily accessible health-care facility. Where referral is not possible, the health-care professional who objects, must provide safe abortion to save the woman’s life, to prevent serious injury to her health and provide urgent care when women present with complications from an unsafe or illegal abortion. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.5.
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No data
Public facilitiesNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights require that governments ensure abortion services, that are allowable by law, are accessible in practice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.5.
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No data
Private facilitiesNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights require that governments ensure abortion services, that are allowable by law, are accessible in practice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.5.
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No data
Facility type not specifiedNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights require that governments ensure abortion services, that are allowable by law, are accessible in practice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.5.
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No data
Neither Type of Facility PermittedNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. The respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights require that governments ensure abortion services, that are allowable by law, are accessible in practice. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.2.5.
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Concluding Observations issued by respective treaty bodies and selected extracts related to abortion.
| Country | CAT |
CEDAW |
CERD |
CESCR |
CRC |
CRPD |
HRC |
IE HAIT |
SR HEALTH |
SR TORTURE |
SR VAW |
WG-DWLP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Uganda |
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CEDAW“The Committee welcomes a number of efforts undertaken by the State party to improve women’s health since the examination of the last periodic report, including the prioritization of maternal health in the Health Sector Strategic Plan, the development of the Road-map for Reduction of Maternal and New-born Mortality and Morbidity and the reduction of the number of children who die before their first birthday from 88 to 75 per 1,000 live births during the same period. However, the Committee notes with concern that, despite a slight decline, maternal mortality rates remain very high (505 per 100,000 in 2001 as compared to 435 per 100,000 in 2006), with clandestine abortions being a major cause thereof. The Committee is also concerned at the very high number of teenage pregnancies, women’s limited access to quality reproductive and sexual health services, especially in rural areas, and that the existing sex education programmes are not sufficient, and may not give enough attention to the prevention of early pregnancy and the control of STIs. (...).”
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CESCR"The Committee is concerned that the conditions under which an abortion may be permitted in the State party are too restrictive. It is also concerned about the prevalence of unsafe abortions, which are a major cause of maternal mortality in the State party. The Committee is further concerned about the high rate of teenage pregnancy in the State party and at the inadequate sexual and reproductive health-care services and education for adolescents as well as the limited supply and use of contraceptives (art. 12). The Committee recommends that the State party revise its abortion legislation, including by considering decriminalizing abortion and providing for exceptions to the general prohibition on abortion in certain cases. It should also raise awareness on the legal exceptions among women and medic al health - care personnel and ensure women’s access to abortion and post - abortion care services without discrimination in order to combat the prevalence of unsafe and illegal abortions . The C ommittee also recommends that the S tate party redouble its efforts to bring down the high rate of teenage pregnancies and ensure the accessibility , availability and affordability of sexual and reproductive health services , particularly in rural areas. It further recommends that the S tate party expand and reinforce comprehensive and age-appropriate sexual and reproductive health education for both sexes in the curricula of primary and secondary schools , and introduce education and awareness-raising programmes for the public at large."
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Country specific information regarding abortion related penalties. Information regarding penalties has been presented in English only; this information is not based on an official translation. Please review the source documents provided.
| Country | Penalties deconstructed |
Penalties for woman |
Penalties for provider |
Penalties for person who assists |
Secondary additional considerations/judicial discretion |
Penalties for non-consensual abortion and or negligence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Uganda |
Penalties deconstructedPenalties only for unlawful/illegal abortions |
Penalties141. Attempts to procure abortion. Any person who, with intent to procure the miscarriage of a woman whether she is or is not with child, unlawfully administers to her or causes her to take any poison or other noxious thing, or uses any force of any kind, or uses any other means, commits a felony and is liable to imprisonment for fourteen years. 142. Procuring miscarriage. Any woman who, being with child, with intent to procure her own miscarriage, unlawfully administers to herself any poison or other noxious thing, or uses any force of any kind, or uses any other means, or permits any such things or means to be administered to or used on her, commits a felony and is liable to imprisonment for seven years. 143. Supplying drugs, etc. to procure abortion. Any person who unlawfully supplies to or procures for any person any thing, knowing that it is intended to be unlawfully used to procure the miscarriage of a woman, whether she is or is not with child, commits a felony and is liable to imprisonment for three years. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. International, regional and national human rights bodies and courts increasingly recommend decriminalization of abortion, and provision of abortion care, to protect a woman’s life and health, and in cases of rape, based on a woman’s complaint. Safe Abortion Guidelines, p 97.
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Penalties141. Attempts to procure abortion. Any person who, with intent to procure the miscarriage of a woman whether she is or is not with child, unlawfully administers to her or causes her to take any poison or other noxious thing, or uses any force of any kind, or uses any other means, commits a felony and is liable to imprisonment for fourteen years. 142. Procuring miscarriage. Any woman who, being with child, with intent to procure her own miscarriage, unlawfully administers to herself any poison or other noxious thing, or uses any force of any kind, or uses any other means, or permits any such things or means to be administered to or used on her, commits a felony and is liable to imprisonment for seven years. 143. Supplying drugs, etc. to procure abortion. Any person who unlawfully supplies to or procures for any person any thing, knowing that it is intended to be unlawfully used to procure the miscarriage of a woman, whether she is or is not with child, commits a felony and is liable to imprisonment for three years. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. International, regional and national human rights bodies and courts increasingly recommend decriminalization of abortion, and provision of abortion care, to protect a woman’s life and health, and in cases of rape, based on a woman’s complaint. Safe Abortion Guidelines, p 97.
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Penalties141. Attempts to procure abortion. Any person who, with intent to procure the miscarriage of a woman whether she is or is not with child, unlawfully administers to her or causes her to take any poison or other noxious thing, or uses any force of any kind, or uses any other means, commits a felony and is liable to imprisonment for fourteen years. 142. Procuring miscarriage. Any woman who, being with child, with intent to procure her own miscarriage, unlawfully administers to herself any poison or other noxious thing, or uses any force of any kind, or uses any other means, or permits any such things or means to be administered to or used on her, commits a felony and is liable to imprisonment for seven years. 143. Supplying drugs, etc. to procure abortion. Any person who unlawfully supplies to or procures for any person any thing, knowing that it is intended to be unlawfully used to procure the miscarriage of a woman, whether she is or is not with child, commits a felony and is liable to imprisonment for three years. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. International, regional and national human rights bodies and courts increasingly recommend decriminalization of abortion, and provision of abortion care, to protect a woman’s life and health, and in cases of rape, based on a woman’s complaint. Safe Abortion Guidelines, p 97.
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PenaltiesNone found |
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Source document: 
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