Sandra Ainebyoona.
A clinical officer has been charged with attempting to procure abortion. Monday Erasmus, a 44-year-old clinical officer, appeared before Nateete-Rubaga grade one magistrate Amon Mugezi on August 8 on criminal charges under section 141 of the Penal Code Act for allegedly attempting to induce a miscarriage through the use of harmful substances. If found guilty, Erasmus could face a 14-year prison sentence.
Section 141 of the Penal Code Act categorizes the unlawful administration of poison, noxious substances, or the use of force to induce a miscarriage as a felony.
Erasmus entered a plea of not guilty to the charges brought against him and applied for bail. His application however encountered a procedural obstacle, as Magistrate Mugezi directed him to channel the request through the trial chief magistrate. The trial, scheduled for September 5, will provide an opportunity for further details to unfold.
Abortion laws in Uganda are multifaceted, with Article 22 of the Constitution outlining specific circumstances under which terminating the life of an unborn child is permissible. These circumstances typically involve cases where a licensed and registered physician performs the procedure to preserve a woman’s life, physical health, or mental well-being.
Guidelines from the health ministry establish criteria for considering abortions in situations such as rape, incest, or when existing health conditions pose a threat to a woman’s well-being. However, limited access to safe and legal abortion alternatives has led some women to resort to unsafe practices, underscoring the pressing need for a more comprehensive range of reproductive health options.
As the case of Monday Erasmus unfolds, it casts a spotlight on the complex legal landscape surrounding abortion in Uganda. The trial will undoubtedly prompt broader discussions about reproductive rights, legal boundaries, and the role of comprehensive reproductive health choices in ensuring the well-being of women.
