The number of people accessing legal abortion services in Rwanda has increased by 45.5% in the 2025/2026 year, rising from 2,200 cases in the previous year to 3,200 cases. This increase is attributed to changes in laws and regulations, as well as the expansion of authorized health facilities providing these services. Dr. François Regis Cyiza, Director of Child and Maternal Health at the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), highlighted these statistics during a press conference on October 9, 2026.
According to Dr. Cyiza, the increase in legal abortions is linked to Ministerial Order No. 002/MoH/2024, which amends the previous order of 2019. The new order defines the requirements for health facilities to provide abortion services legally. These services are now available in public and private health facilities authorized by the Ministry of Health, including hospitals, health centers, and polyclinics. The Ministry can also authorize clinics that meet specific requirements to provide abortion services.
Prior to the changes, legal abortions were only available in public and private hospitals, as well as 90 health centers operating at the hospital level. The revised regulations have enabled more health facilities to offer these services, contributing to the increase in legal abortions. Dr. Cyiza also noted that some health centers have started providing abortion services using telemedicine, allowing patients to consult with doctors remotely.
The use of telemedicine for abortion services has been piloted in 43 health centers in Karongi, Ruhango, Rwamagana, and Musanze districts, with over 900 cases recorded. This approach enables patients to receive care without requiring a doctor to be physically present at the health center. Dr. Cyiza stated that the pilot project has been successful, with no adverse effects reported, and plans are underway to expand this service nationwide.
Despite the increase in legal abortions, some health facilities, particularly those affiliated with religious organizations, do not provide these services due to their policies. Dr. Cyiza encouraged individuals to seek care at nearby health facilities that offer authorized abortion services. According to the 2019 Ministerial Order, abortion is permitted in cases of rape, incest, or when the pregnancy poses a risk to the woman's health or life.
The law also stipulates that abortions can be performed up to 22 weeks of gestation, and patients must receive counseling and a medical examination before undergoing the procedure. In cases where the patient is a minor or has a mental disability, a legal representative must provide consent. Dr. Cyiza emphasized that individuals who undergo illegal abortions or assist others in doing so can face penalties, including imprisonment and fines.
Under the 2023 law, individuals who perform or undergo an illegal abortion can be sentenced to 1-3 years in prison and fined between 100,000 and 200,000 Rwandan francs. Those who assist others in obtaining an illegal abortion can face 1-2 years in prison and a fine of 300,000 to 500,000 Rwandan francs. More severe penalties apply if the abortion results in disability or death.
Key points
- The number of legal abortions in Rwanda increased by 45.5% in 2025/2026, with 3,200 cases recorded.
- The increase is attributed to changes in laws and regulations, as well as the expansion of authorized health facilities providing these services.
- Some health facilities, particularly those affiliated with religious organizations, do not provide abortion services due to their policies.
