Here in Kenya, we’re already feeling the ripple effect of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.  

Earlier this month, the Kenyan government launched a 10-year national plan for reproductive health care that fails to address the need to expand abortion access. U.S. policies carry tremendous weight in Kenya and around the world—and the impact of the Roe decision seems to be playing out already in the plan our government announced. We know that abortion opponents here will push even harder now to restrict people’s access, even though abortion is legal in Kenya under some circumstances.

That’s why I’m very happy to share that today U.S. Senator Cory Booker introduced the Abortion Is Health Care Everywhere Act. This is the first-ever legislation to repeal the Helms Amendment, a 50-year-old policy that restricts the use of U.S. foreign assistance funds for abortion.

The Helms Amendment denies millions of women access to abortion, even in countries where they have a legal right to this essential health care. As Senator Booker said in a press release announcing the proposed law, we must take immediate action to mitigate the global impact of Roe’s overturn. This legislation can do exactly that.

I’m proud that Ipas has worked for years with a diverse coalition of global reproductive health, rights and justice organizations to advance the Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act to this historic moment. We’ll keep fighting to expand abortion access around the world, and we’re so grateful you’re with us in this fight.

In solidarity,

Suzanne 

Suzanne Majani 
Policy and Advocacy Manager, Ipas Africa Alliance