Abortion in South Sudan

Abortion in South Sudan is a topic that encompasses the legal, medical, and societal aspects of abortion in the country of South Sudan.

Legal Status

In South Sudan, abortion is generally illegal and is only permitted to save the life of the pregnant woman. This law is based on the Penal Code Act of 2008, which states that anyone who intentionally causes a miscarriage is subject to imprisonment. However, the law does not apply if the abortion is performed to save the life of the woman.

Medical Aspects

Due to the restrictive laws, many women in South Sudan resort to unsafe abortions, which can lead to serious health complications. These complications can include infection, hemorrhage, and infertility. The lack of access to safe and legal abortion services also contributes to the high maternal mortality rate in the country.

Societal Aspects

The societal aspects of abortion in South Sudan are influenced by cultural, religious, and societal norms. Many communities in South Sudan view abortion as a moral issue and stigmatize women who have had abortions. This stigma can lead to social isolation and can deter women from seeking post-abortion care.

Advocacy and Reform

There are several organizations advocating for the reform of abortion laws in South Sudan. These organizations argue that the current laws are a violation of women's rights and contribute to the high maternal mortality rate. They advocate for the decriminalization of abortion and for the provision of safe and legal abortion services.

See Also

• Abortion law
• Health in South Sudan
• Women's rights in South Sudan