Fighting GBV: Advocacy for Abortion by Rape Victims

The Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians (SOGOC), through its Advocacy Comprehensive Abortion Care (ACAC) Project is advocating for victims of rape, a form of Gender-based Violence, to be given abortion care.

ACAC reiterated this idea as it launched activates to mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, this November 26, 2021 in Yaounde.

On the occasion, the Vice President of SOGOC, Prof Nelson Fomulu highlighted the fact that Gender-based Violence has adverse consequences on women’s health ranging from psychological to medical problems and even suicide.

The Project Manager of ACAC, Rita Yenjong indicated that Cameroon’s penal code provides that when a woman gets pregnant from rape, she has the right to abort or keep the baby.

The law notwithstanding, Rita says the procedures to get such an abortion done are still very cumbersome, making it difficult for such victims of rape.

It is in this light that the Advocacy Comprehensive Abortion Care (ACAC) Project is out to sensitise stakeholders on this law. The project is saying “No” to Gender-based Violence and “No” to stigmatisation of abortion by rape survivors.

Tackling Obstacles

Abortion is prohibited in Cameroon except in cases of rape as seen in Section 339 (2) of the Penal Code.

Abortion is therefore a complicated or “taboo” topic within communities, making it an uphill task for ACAC.

The Project is however working with its partners to communicate the agenda of safe abortion per the Cameroon penal code.

ACAC is working through the health board of religious bodies to explain rape survivors’ rights to abortion. It is worth mentioning that this is the same procedure they used some years back to communicate on family planning.

In the suburbs, ACAC is working with community-based organisations. They have also reached few traditional rulers to explain their idea and hope to reach even more traditional rulers.

The ACAC Project Manager frowns at the that rape which is a form of Gender-based Violence, is widespread yet one of the least prosecuted crimes in the country.

She and her project members hope to give a voice to rape survivors who get pregnant and need an abortion.

Eleanor Ayuketah Ngochi

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