Despite the legalization of abortion, social and cultural factors continue to push women toward unsafe procedures, leading to tragic outcomes.

In 2021, Benin passed one of Africa’s most progressive abortion laws, allowing women to terminate pregnancies under a broader range of circumstances. Yet, despite this legal breakthrough, women in Benin are still dying from unsafe abortions. Dr. Véronique Tognifode, a gynaecologist in the country, recalls one patient, Abosede*, a student, who came to her clinic about eight years ago. Pregnant and desperate, Abosede sought an abortion, but at that time, the law only permitted terminations in cases of rape, incest, or when the mother’s life was at risk, or the unborn child had severe medical complications.

Dr. Tognifode tried to counsel Abosede, telling her that a pregnancy was a blessing and offering support through the pregnancy. Abosede appeared to accept the advice and left the clinic, planning to return for prenatal appointments. However, three weeks later, Dr. Tognifode encountered a woman in the hospital ward suffering from septicaemia, likely due to a botched abortion. Upon closer inspection, she realized it was the same young woman. “She had found her own solution in secret… she was close to death,” recalls Tognifode.

This incident is not unique. Gynaecologists across Benin have shared similar stories of women who, when faced with an unwanted pregnancy, resort to dangerous and often fatal methods to terminate it. In a country where the law is restrictive, women often use methods that are medically reckless, such as ingesting harmful substances or using sharp objects, leading to severe injuries and even death. Health Minister Benjamin Hounkpatin estimates that unsafe abortions are responsible for one in five maternal deaths in the country.

Despite the legal reform, social and spiritual factors continue to drive women to seek clandestine abortions. In a society where deep-rooted cultural and religious beliefs still stigmatize abortion, women often feel ashamed or fearful of seeking medical help. Even with the law changed, many continue to opt for unsafe methods in secret, fearing societal judgment.

The situation illustrates a broader issue that many countries face: While legal reforms are essential, they are not enough on their own. Education, cultural shifts, and accessible healthcare are crucial to ensure that women have safe, medically supervised options and are not forced to risk their lives to make a choice about their bodies.