Africa

The Center for Reproductive Rights Africa Program uses the human rights and reproductive justice frameworks to address the root causes and systemic violations of the sexual and reproductive rights of women and girls in the Africa region.

Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest maternal mortality rate in the world, as well as high rates of unintended pregnancies, early marriage, and unsafe abortions—which result in thousands of preventable deaths.

The Center’s Africa Program works to document reproductive rights violations, hold governments accountable for such violations, and advocate for laws and policies that ensure access to the full range of reproductive health services and information.

Using human rights and reproductive justice frameworks, the Center works with a network of partners, lawyers and activists, and through courts and regional human rights mechanisms, to ensure all people can realize their reproductive and human rights—especially marginalized groups that face numerous obstacles to accessing health care and justice. The Center further works to strengthen the region’s sexual and reproductive rights movement through capacity building and creating spaces for solidarity, sharing and collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

The Center’s Africa Program has secured numerous legal victories in national courts and regional accountability bodies that have improved women and girls’ reproductive rights–including their access to contraceptives, abortion services, and maternal health care. The program has been building expertise in the region since 1997 and opened its regional office in Nairobi in 2011.

Cases and Work

Learn more about the Center’s work advancing reproductive rights in Africa.

Kenya Court of Appeal Affirms Right to Respectful Maternal Health Care

Court issues sweeping decision in Center’s case of pregnant woman physically and verbally abused by hospital staff.

ACERWC Recommends Tanzania End Policies Barring Pregnant Schoolgirls

Ruling by African Committee marks a victory for adolescent girls in Tanzania and beyond.

Kenyan High Court Affirms the Right to Abortion Under the Constitution

Landmark ruling in case defending minor and clinician will protect abortion patients and providers from arrest and prosecution.