As part of the International Safe Abortion Day, the Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians of Cameroon (SOGOC) brought together health professionals, activists, and citizens to address an important issue: access to safe abortion care. The event, which was held on Friday, October 4, 2024, at the Noblesse Hotel, in Yaounde 1, highlighted the health and social issues surrounding abortion in the country. Alarming Statistics Every year, approximately 25 million unsafe abortions are performed worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. In Cameroon, abortion is legal only in very limited cases, such as rape or when the pregnancy endangers the mother’s health. This restrictive legislation has dramatic consequences, making clandestine abortion the third leading cause of maternal mortality. At the event, a mother’s testimony illustrated the dangers of unsafe abortions in one of the videos projected during the session. She shared her heartbreaking experience: “I had no choice. I had to resort to dangerous methods to end my pregnancy. I was just happy that I did it, but I almost lost my life.” This story resonates with many women in Cameroon facing similar situations. A Call for Awareness and Action The President of the Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians, Professor Emile Mboudou, stressed the importance of educating the public and raising awareness among policymakers. “We must promote women’s health and reduce barriers to access to quality health care. Safe abortion must be integrated into comprehensive health care,” he said. The President of SOGOC, Dr. Emile Mboudou The films presented during the evening also played a key role in giving a voice to women who are often left behind in this debate. These visual stories highlight women’s struggles and the need to reform abortion laws in Cameroon. A Future to Build Speakers called for collective action to ensure safe abortions and reduce the stigma surrounding the issue. Participants were encouraged to act as advocates in their communities, support local organizations, and share their knowledge on this vital topic. << Every action, however small, can contribute to reducing mortality linked to clandestine abortion, >> concluded Professor Mboudou. On this day dedicated to safe abortion, the commitment of health professionals and civil society could well be the beginning of a necessary change for women’s health in Cameroon.
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