Abortion in Uganda is only legal to save the life or preserve the health of the pregnant person. While guidelines allow for some exceptions such as rape or fetal anomalies, access to safe abortion is extremely limited.
Although Ugandan law permits abortion to save a woman’s life or preserve her health, these exceptions are rarely accessible in practice. The legal framework lacks clear operational guidelines, and many healthcare providers fear legal consequences, limiting safe abortion access.
It is estimated that over 310,000 abortions occur annually in Uganda, with around 90,000 women requiring treatment for complications caused by unsafe procedures. While post-abortion care is legally provided, access and quality vary significantly.
