Une sortie du labyrinthe : vers un meilleur accès à l’avortement sécurisé pour les adolescentes et les femmes au Bénin

Abstract

This document presents the results of an ethnographic study on the experiences of adolescent girls and women in accessing safe abortion care in Benin since the adoption of the amended law on sexual and reproductive health in 2021. The study highlights improvements in access to safe abortion care, while also identifying persistent and significant obstacles. Many adolescents and women still face a complex set of barriers that hinder their effective access to safe care. The detailed analysis leads to concrete recommendations to ensure equitable access to these services for all who need them. The study was conducted in the departments of Atlantique and Borgou, using participant observation and in-depth interviews with 73 adolescents and women, as well as health professionals and key informants. The findings show a diversity of abortion pathways, with just over half of participants accessing formal and safe care, while the rest resorted to unsafe methods. Key facilitating factors include knowledge of the law, referrals, and support from civil society organizations. Persistent obstacles include lack of awareness of the law, financial barriers, provider conscientious objection, high costs, lack of support, parental consent requirements for minors, exceeding the legal gestational limit, and the continued availability of informal abortion services. The study concludes that while the 2021 legislative reform is a decisive step forward, additional measures are needed to overcome structural, economic, informational, and sociocultural barriers, especially for the most vulnerable groups.