Kenya Court of Appeal has overturned a 2022 ruling affirming abortion rights, escalating the case toward Supreme Court review process.
Case involves teenage girl treated for pregnancy complications and emergency post-abortion care later acquitted by High Court earlier decision.
Appeal court ruled abortion is not a fundamental right except in cases protecting life or health of mother only cases.
Kenya penal code criminalises abortion with penalties of up to 14 years imprisonment for attempted or procured procedures cases under.
Constitution allows abortion only when recommended by trained health worker to save mother life or health in emergencies situations only.
Rights groups condemned ruling calling it setback and pledged to appeal to Supreme Court of Kenya immediately soon legal challenge.
Faith-based group supporting appeal said ruling restores constitutional balance and corrects earlier High Court interpretation decision framework established recently today.
Health data shows abortion remains major cause of maternal deaths with an estimated 792,000 cases in 2023–24 period reported nationally.