Kenyan Women’s Rights Groups Challenge Reproductive Health Policy in Court
Women’s rights organizations have filed a legal challenge against the Reproductive Health Policy 2022-2032, arguing it restricts reproductive rights, family planning, and safe abortion access. The case is ongoing at Milimani Law Courts, with a ruling expected on July 24.
Human rights organizations have filed a legal challenge at the Milimani Law Courts against the Reproductive Health Policy 2022-2032, arguing that it restricts women's rights and limits access to essential reproductive health services. The petitioners accused the Ministry of Health of failing to conduct public participation, denying Kenyans the opportunity to contribute their views before the policy was enacted.
During the court proceedings at Milimani Law Courts, Mwikali, one of the petitioners, criticized the policy for imposing a narrow definition of family that excludes many Kenyan households. She argued that the lack of public engagement contradicted past instances where citizen input had been prioritized.
"Our families are diverse—single mothers, child-led households, polygamous families, and many others. Yet, this policy only recognizes a father, a mother, a boy, and a girl. That definition excludes many and promotes discrimination. We have seen how public participation was conducted in Rigathi Gachagua’s process, even if we did not fully agree with it. Why couldn’t the Ministry of Health do the same, especially for something as crucial as reproductive health?" she stated.
Organizations such as KELIN and TICAH further argued that the policy imposes unnecessary barriers to family planning and safe abortion, limiting women's reproductive choices. Wangari, a TICAH representative, criticized the policy for reinforcing outdated notions of family and restricting access to essential healthcare services.
The case at Milimani Law Courts was postponed, with a ruling scheduled for July 24.
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