Developing Theory for Decolonising Sexual and Reproductive Health and Human Rights: Laying a Foundation for an African-Centered Approach

Abstract

This paper seeks to lay a foundation for developing a legal method for implementing decolonialisation of law and human rights as they apply to sexual and reproductive health in the African region. It explores decolonisation as theory and praxis and adopts coloniality as a shorthand for the effects of colonisation. It is argued that decolonisation should be anchored in inclusive equality, with a spotlight on intersectionality. The historical criminalisation of abortion is used to illustrate the coloniality of African abortion laws as well as make a case for decolonisation.