The Center for Reproductive Rights (CRR)

Legal Advocacy and Litigation:

• Challenging Restrictive Laws: 
  The CRR uses strategic litigation to challenge restrictive abortion laws that violate women’s rights. In Kenya, they work to ensure that abortion rights, as outlined in the Constitution (Article 26[4]), are upheld in practice. 
• Enforcing Post-Abortion Care Rights: 
  The CRR has supported cases advocating for access to post-abortion care as a medical and human right, ensuring women receive care regardless of the legality of the abortion. For example, they have litigated cases where women were denied post-abortion care, leading to preventable suffering or death. 

Policy Reform and Advocacy:

• Standardizing Guidelines: 
  The CRR advocates for clear national guidelines to ensure that healthcare providers are equipped and legally protected when offering safe abortion and post-abortion care services. 
• Advancing Legislation: 
  They push for policies that expand access to safe abortion services and remove barriers like stigma, misinformation, and unnecessary restrictions.

Capacity Building for Healthcare Providers:

• The CRR collaborates with medical associations and local organizations to train healthcare providers on the legal and medical standards for safe abortion and post-abortion care. 
• They ensure providers understand their obligations to offer non-judgmental and compassionate care.

Human Rights Advocacy:

• Framing Abortion as a Human Right: 
  The CRR emphasizes that access to safe abortion and post-abortion care is integral to the right to health, life, and freedom from cruel or degrading treatment. 
• Holding Governments Accountable: 
  They use international treaties, such as the Maputo Protocol and rulings from regional human rights bodies, to pressure governments like Kenya’s to ensure safe and accessible reproductive healthcare. 

Public Awareness and Stigma Reduction:

• The CRR works with local partners to educate communities about their rights to safe abortion and post-abortion care under Kenyan law. 
• They focus on breaking down stigma through public campaigns and dialogues, making it easier for women to seek care. 

Advancing Access to Post-Abortion Care:

• Emergency Care for Unsafe Abortions: 
  The CRR ensures that women who suffer complications from unsafe abortions receive timely and compassionate care. 
• Advocating for Universal Access: 
  They work to ensure post-abortion care is available even in restrictive environments, emphasizing it as a critical part of healthcare services.