15-year-old girl arrested in Jinja for aborting twins

by · The Observer

A 15-year-old girl has been arrested in Jinja city, eastern Uganda over allegedly procuring an abortion.

The juvenile from Budondo Ward, Northern Division, Jinja city is currently detained at Budondo police station awaiting prosecution. Reports indicate that the suspect had been seven months pregnant with twins. Influenced by her peers, who warned that giving birth to two children at such a young age could be life-threatening, she decided to terminate the pregnancy.

She had visited Kyomya health centre II for antenatal care, accompanied by a friend identified as Moureen. After consulting with a midwife who advised her to return for a follow-up visit next month, the suspect and Moureen left the facility. During their journey home, Moureen allegedly gave the suspect a concoction to drink, causing her to collapse by the roadside.

Passersby assisted the pair and took the girl back to Kyomya health centre II, where she prematurely delivered two stillborn baby girls. The suspect suffered heavy bleeding and was transferred to Budondo health centre IV, where she was later arrested following her recovery.

A medical scan confirmed that the pregnancy had been terminated. The suspect initially claimed that the babies’ remains were dumped in a pit latrine at Kyomya health centre II. However, after police investigation, no evidence of human remains was found. Upon further questioning, the suspect revised her statement, alleging that the bodies were buried in a nearby sugarcane plantation.

Police are currently searching for Moureen and two other individuals accused of aiding the abortion. The trio remains at large, but authorities have intensified their efforts to locate them.

The suspect's mother revealed that her daughter dropped out of school in primary six due to constant ridicule from classmates over her pregnancy. The family had hoped she would continue her education after giving birth, but the pressure led to the abortion, causing distress within their household.

Kiira Regional Police spokesperson James Mubi stated that a psychiatrist has been enlisted to provide psychological support to the young girl as legal proceedings unfold. According to Mubi, the suspect is experiencing deep regret after being misled by her peers, and authorities are handling the case delicately to prevent further harm.

Mubi further noted that detectives are actively investigating the source of the concoction given to the suspect and are seeking to identify others who may be distributing such substances to minors. He emphasized that abortion unless deemed medically necessary to save a life, is illegal, and those involved in this case will be prosecuted.

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