Access to emergency contraception for rape survivors in Lesotho

Abstract

Sexual violence is prevalent in Lesotho. However, all Catholic health facilities deny survivors of rape access to emergency contraception. As a result, some survivors have experienced unplanned pregnancies and illegal and unsafe abortions. Despite the ratification of human rights treaties, the government is not remedying this situation. Hence this study seeks to determine the compliance of the legal framework relevant to the protection of survivors of rape in Lesotho with international human rights norms and standards relating to access to emergency contraception. The study used desktop review to collect data and adopted a socio-legal approach. The findings of the study show that Lesotho has legislation and policies that protect the right to access to emergency contraception for the survivors of rape. Nevertheless, the state does not intervene when a third party violates this right. Therefore, the state does not comply with its human rights obligations. The study recommends different human rights-based approaches to the government and Catholic Church.