Kenya's Abortion Rights Battle: A Legal Tug-of-War

The Kenya Court of Appeal overturned a ruling affirming abortion as a constitutional right, reigniting debate over access to abortion services. The court reiterates abortion is only permissible under circumstances like threat to maternal life. Human rights groups plan to appeal the ruling, calling it a setback.

In a significant legal development, Kenya's Court of Appeal has reversed a previous high court's decision affirming the right to access abortion services under the nation's constitution.

This ruling, announced Friday, stems from a 2022 case involving a teenager who sought medical attention for pregnancy complications. While the high court had initially declared that access to abortion was protected as a fundamental right, the appellate court has now emphasized that abortion is prohibited, with limited exceptions such as risks to the mother's life.

Reacting to the court's decision, the Center for Reproductive Rights labeled it a 'setback' and stated plans to appeal to Kenya's Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the local Kenya Christian Professionals' Forum supports the ruling, viewing it as a restoration of constitutional integrity.