Maternal health is a human right: what courts are saying

Every day, preventable maternal deaths occur in Uganda. Yet, the right to safe motherhood is not just a promise – it is a legal obligation. Courts have affirmed that maternal health rights are enforceable, and that governments must ensure availability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality of maternal health services.

Local governments play a critical role. They are required by law to provide basic and emergency obstetric care, ensure adequate staffing, and maintain essential supplies. Judicial decisions highlight that negligence, discrimination, and systemic failures violate constitutional and human rights.

This editorial is based on the case digest “Promoting Maternal Health in Uganda”, which compiles key court rulings that clarify state duties and citizen rights.

Download the full case digest to understand how maternal health rights are being upheld by courts and what duty-bearers must do to save lives.