The third edition of the National Forum organized by the Dynamic Femmes association kicked off in Yaoundé, Cameroon, on September 29, 2026. The event brings together medical professionals, jurists, government officials, and civil society actors to discuss the risks associated with clandestine abortions and potential reforms to protect women's health and dignity. The forum's theme is "Clandestine Abortions, Regulatory Framework, and Health Constraints: What Reforms to Protect Life, Health, and Dignity of Women in Cameroon?"
Despite being prohibited by law, clandestine abortions continue to be performed in Cameroon, often with severe consequences. According to Claudine Siewe, Executive President of Dynamic Femmes, these procedures result in cases of paralysis, infertility, and death. Data suggests that clandestine abortions account for approximately 23% of maternal and infant mortality in the country. The association has been working to gather evidence on the practice, conducting surveys in four sociocultural areas of Cameroon.
The law in Cameroon is strict, with Article 337 of the Penal Code imposing a penalty of 15 days to one year in prison for abortion, and up to five years for those who perform the procedure. Article 339 allows for abortion only in cases where the mother's life is at risk or if the pregnancy is a result of rape. However, despite these provisions, clandestine abortions persist. Dynamic Femmes emphasizes that their goal is not to promote abortion but to protect women's health and dignity.
The association has been working since 2023 to gather data on clandestine abortions, aiming to build a solid foundation for their advocacy efforts. According to a member of the association, "We believe that data guides our actions." The collected data will inform potential reforms to the regulatory framework and healthcare system.
The forum provides a platform for stakeholders to discuss the complexities surrounding clandestine abortions and potential solutions. Participants include medical professionals, jurists, and government officials, who will engage in discussions on the regulatory framework, health constraints, and possible reforms. The event aims to raise awareness about the risks associated with clandestine abortions and promote a comprehensive approach to addressing the issue.
Claudine Siewe emphasizes that Dynamic Femmes is committed to protecting women's health and dignity. The association's efforts focus on promoting a culture of respect for human life and advocating for women's rights. By engaging with various stakeholders, Dynamic Femmes seeks to build a coalition that can drive meaningful change in Cameroon.
The fight against clandestine abortions in Cameroon requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the root causes of the issue. The national forum provides an opportunity for stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and explore potential solutions. As the event continues, participants are expected to discuss concrete steps that can be taken to protect women's health and dignity in Cameroon.
Key points
- The association Dynamic Femmes is leading efforts to combat clandestine abortions in Cameroon through advocacy, data collection, and stakeholder engagement.
- Clandestine abortions account for approximately 23% of maternal and infant mortality in Cameroon.
- The Cameroonian law prohibits abortion, with strict penalties for those who perform or undergo the procedure, except in cases where the mother's life is at risk or if the pregnancy is a result of rape.
