Katogo, Bwaise (Uganda) – At a small community center in Wakiso District, the room glowed with candlelight as women, girls, health workers, and community leaders stood shoulder to shoulder. They lit candles in memory of women who never survived unsafe abortions. As the flames flickered, the crowd sang softly, carrying one shared message: no girl/woman should die because she lacks access to safe healthcare.
The vigil, organized by Tusitukirewamu with support from members of the Coalition to Stop Maternal Mortality Due to Unsafe Abortion (CSMMUA), was held on September 28 to mark International Safe Abortion Day. It brought together students, health workers, community members, community gatekeepers, and civil society organizations in a united call for change.
Students Speak Out
University students highlighted the challenges faced by girls in managing unintended pregnancies.
Charity, a student, spoke about how restrictive laws leave many with no safe options:
“Because the law is not clear, students are forced into unsafe procedures. This puts lives at risk.”
Prescilla, another student, added that financial struggles often lead to unplanned pregnancies:
“Many girls turn to abortion, but the methods are unsafe. We need legal clarity to ensure safe services without fear or stigma.”
Health Workers Highlight Barriers
Health workers including Nabantazi and Dungu echoed these concerns, pointing out the stigma and rejection many girls face when seeking care.
They also noted that while post-abortion care is permitted under government policy, this information remains poorly understood within communities, leaving many women and girls unaware of the services available to them.
Broader Concerns Raised
Discussions at the vigil extended beyond healthcare to cultural and societal influences. Some participants raised concerns about how media reports on reproductive health, calling for greater responsibility in shaping positive public attitudes.
Others emphasized the urgent need for leaders to:
· Clarity and reform restrictive laws that limit access to safe abortion services, so that women and girls can seek care without fear of criminal penalties.
· Invest in youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services
· Ensure safe spaces where girls and women can seek help without judgment
The commemoration ended with a candle-lighting ceremony in memory of women and girls who have died as a result of unsafe abortion. The community issued a united call to uphold dignity, protect health, and guarantee access to safe services without stigma or fear.
“No girl or woman should lose her life to unsafe abortion. We must act now,” the community declared in closing.
