Safe Abortion in Benin : Community Perceptions of the Law Reframing Voluntary Termination of Pregnancy in the Municipality of Bohicon"

Abstract

Considering the burden of clandestine abortions on maternal mortality in Benin, authorities reformed abortion legislation in 2021. Abortion is now permitted up to twelve weeks of pregnancy, at the request of the pregnant woman, in cases of material, educational, professional, or moral distress (2021 Law on Sexual Health and Reproduction, 2021). This research analyzes the perception and acceptance of this reform by community actors in the Zou department. It is based on a qualitative approach, through eight individual interviews and six focus groups conducted with parents, adolescents, community and religious leaders. The data were transcribed and analyzed using a deductive approach. This work highlights a lack of communication around the law, which leads to poor knowledge of the abortion law and the emergence of rumors in a context where word of mouth is the main source of information. Sociocultural dynamics limit women's access to formal information and hinder their reproductive autonomy. Misinformation reinforces negative perceptions of the law in an arena where abortion is perceived as a transgression. However, some actors promote the health benefits of access to safe abortion, while opponents express religious and educational concerns, particularly regarding the sexuality of young people. These findings underscore the need to enhance awareness-raising and educational efforts tailored to the local context, thereby promoting a deeper understanding of the law and a shift in social representations.