Abortion, Contraception, and LGBTQI Rights: Examining the anti-SRHR agenda in sub-Saharan Africa

Ann M. Moore, Guttmacher Institute
Gilda Sedgh, Guttmacher Institute
Mariam Gulaid, Guttmacher Institute/FP-Impact Consortium

Background and purpose: The decades-long global trend toward policies and programs supporting sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) has come under threat in recent years. This project examines the anti-SRHR work underway in sub-Saharan Africa, attempting to further restrict access to abortion, contraception for unmarried individuals and LGBTQ+ rights, and Global North influences on these efforts. Methods: We are undertaking in-depth interviews and ethnographic observation in Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia with policymakers, activists, providers and other key stakeholders to understand the forces influencing domains including advocacy, laws, policies, court decisions, funding allocations, and implementation of SRHR programs. Findings and implications: By identifying the social and political pressures that are having the greatest impact, and the sources of these pressures, this project will provide new evidence on why, how and with whom these attacks on rights are being popularized. We will compare strategies across the three countries and pay particular attention to the ripple effects of the anti-abortion advocacy that led to the Dobbs decision in the U.S. overturning Roe v. Wade. The influence of the language of the incel movement on social conservatism and their misogynistic rhetoric including the threats and harassment of female lawmakers will also be considered.

Keywords: Population Policies, Qualitative data/methods/approaches, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Family Planning and Contraception

See extended abstract.