Every September 28th, the world commemorates the International Safe Abortion Day, according to the legislation of each country. It is a day that allows women to remind themselves of their right to bodily autonomy and the right to safe abortion as defined by the law. In Burkina Faso, while Article 513-10 of the Penal Code punishes anyone guilty of abortion with a prison sentence of at least 1 to 5 years and a fine ranging from 1 to 3 million XOF, exceptions are granted by law to allow for Safe Abortion Interruption (ISG) under four conditions. These conditions are:
- When the fetus has a severe malformation incompatible with extra-uterine life.
- When the continuation of the pregnancy worsens the mother’s health.
- In cases of rape.
- In cases of incest.
The five components of Post-Abortion Care (PAC) are:
- Emergency treatment, often using Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA).
- Counseling, both before, during, and after Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA).
- Family Planning.
- Connection with Reproductive Health Services (SR).
- Community involvement.
Gynecologist and obstetrician at CHU Sourou Sanou, Dr. Der Adolphe Somé, provides clarification on these matters.
Madina Belemviré
