Making rights real: Abortion access after legal reform in Benin

A conversation between Laura Ferguson, Ramatou Ouedraogo, Njeri Mbuthia, Jonna Both and Vanessa Sekpon.

On Safe Abortion Day, 28 September, SRHM explores what happens after abortion rights are recognised in law. In 2021, Benin expanded the legal grounds for abortion, marking a significant step towards safer abortion care. But as research from Benin shows, legal reform is only the beginning.

In this episode, researchers from the African Population and Health Research Center and Rutgers Netherlands discuss the realities of accessing abortion care, including limited information, cost, conscientious objection, stigma and other structural barriers. They also highlight the vital role of civil society organisations in providing information, referrals and support, and share lessons for turning legal rights into meaningful access.

Read the blog: Nothing exists in a vacuum: A case of the law, systems and SRHR in Benin:

https://www.srhm.org/news/nothing-exists-in-a-vacuum-a-case-of-the-law-systems-and-srhr-in-benin/