Republic of Benin moves to legalise abortion

A new law which legalises abortion has been passed by parliamentarians in the Republic of Benin on Wednesday.

The new law allows that women can terminate a pregnancy within the first three months if it is likely to “aggravate or cause material, educational, professional or moral distress, incompatible with the woman or the unborn child’s interest.”

Abortion was previously authorised under restricted conditions such as, if  the pregnancy “threatened the life of the mother”, was “the result of a rape or incest” or when “the unborn child has a particularly severe affection”.

While some lawmakers strongly opposed legalising abortion further, the amendment finally passed after a heated debate in parliament.

In a statement on Thursday, health minister Benjamin Hounkpatin said,

“In Benin, nearly 200 women die each year as the result of abortion complications.”

“This measure will be a relief for many women who face undesired pregnancies, and are forced to put their lives in danger with botched abortions.”

“It is because of this public health threat that the government has taken its responsibilities by submitting a text that lawmakers have passed.”

In a statement, the influential religious group, Episcopal Conference of Benin, has however said that

“Abortion not only destroys the life of the foetus but also that of the mother, in many aspects.”

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