Hearing of petitions challenging the forced and coerced sterilization of women living with HIV fails to proceed.

Petitions 605 and 606 of 2014 challenging the forced and coerced sterilization of five women living with HIV through a procedure known as bilateral tubal ligation that was scheduled for hearing on 11th May 2020 failed to proceed. Both cases were adjourned to 22nd June 2020.

In Petition 606, Counsel for Marura Nursing Home applied for an adjournment on the basis that Marura’s witness was currently under the 14-day mandatory quarantine having come into contact with a COVID-19 patient. The witness for Marura Nursing Home had previously commenced her testimony and was stood down when being cross-examined by Mr. Maleche advocate for the petitioners. It was expected that the witness would conclude her testimony during today’s hearing.

In Petition 605, counsel for Marie Stopes applied for an adjournment indicating that they had been unable to reach their client who is in Kisumu due to the current restrictions on movement. The court was expected to hear the witnesses for Marie Stopes International during today’s hearing.

Both petitions will now be mentioned on 22nd June 2020 for further directions before Justice Weldon Korir.

To contribute to the discussions on this forum, follow KELIN on our social media platforms using the hashtag #Justice2Health.

Twitter: @KELINKenya

Facebook: @kelinkenya

The case petitions are available here.

Petition 605

Petition 606

For more information contact:

Allan Maleche, Advocate for the Petitioner’s and Executive Director, KELIN

Kenya Legal and Ethical Issues Network on HIV & AIDS (KELIN)

4th Floor, Somak Building, Mombasa Road

Tel +254202515790; Cell +254708389870;

Email: amaleche@kelinkenya.org