SEXUAL REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RIGHTS IN SOUTH AFRICA

Abstract: This study analyses the promotion and protection of sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) in South Africa and highlights lessons for Kenya. South Africa is the only African country to comprehensively liberalise and institutionalise SRHR through constitutional guarantees, progressive legislation, and detailed policy frameworks. Core statutes such as the National Health Act, Domestic Violence Act, Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act, and the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act safeguard women’s bodily autonomy, access to healthcare, and protection from gender-based violence. These legal provisions are reinforced by national strategies including the Adolescent SRHR Framework, Contraception and Fertility Planning Policy, and the Strategic Plan for Maternal, Newborn, Child and Women’s Health. Together, they have reduced maternal mortality, teenage pregnancy, and HIV prevalence while expanding contraception, emergency care, and comprehensive sex education. South Africa’s judiciary has further entrenched SRHR by interpreting domestic laws in line with international human rights standards and ensuring progressive realisation despite resource constraints. In contrast, Kenya’s restrictive abortion provisions, weak enforcement mechanisms, and cultural practices continue to undermine SRHR, increasing unsafe abortions, maternal mortality, and rights violations. The study concludes that Kenya can strengthen its legal and policy framework by repealing restrictive provisions, training healthcare providers, expanding infrastructure, and integrating SRHR education and information technologies. Lessons from South Africa show that coordinated efforts by government, judiciary, and community actors are essential to realising women’s SRHR and reducing preventable morbidity and mortality. Keywords: Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights, South Africa, Kenya, Legislative and Policy Framework, Maternal Health and Gender Equality. Title: SEXUAL REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RIGHTS IN SOUTH AFRICA Author: Kombo Benard Simion, Julius Kombo Ayusa International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online) Vol. 13, Issue 3, July 2025 - September 2025 Page No: 443-462 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 23-September-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17184437 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/sexual-reproductive-health-rights-in-south-africa