In a meeting held in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), women were encouraged to popularize the Maputo Protocol to promote safe abortion. The discussion took place on the sidelines of the World Day of the Right to Abortion. According to Derrick Wetshosongo Lushima, a clinical psychologist at the Neuro-Psycho-Pathological Center (CNPP), popularizing the protocol is crucial for promoting safe abortion.
Mr. Wetshosongo emphasized that as a clinical psychologist, he cannot authorize the termination of a human life, but he acknowledged that there are severe conditions under which medical abortion could be accepted. These conditions include pregnancy resulting from rape, incest, or complications that could endanger the embryo or fetus and put the pregnant woman's life at risk. He cited the law in the DRC's Penal Code, which prohibits abortion and punishes those involved with 5 to 15 years in prison.
However, Mr. Wetshosongo noted that the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, known as the Maputo Protocol, authorizes medical abortion under certain conditions. The protocol, which the DRC ratified in 2018, allows for the interruption of pregnancy in cases of rape, incest, or severe complications that could affect the development of the embryo or fetus or the physical and mental health of the pregnant woman.
The psychologist stressed that international laws take precedence over national laws, and therefore, medical abortion in the DRC must be performed under highly secure and sanitary conditions. He also suggested that women should receive psychological support and comprehensive follow-up care before and after medical abortion to prevent mental or physical disturbances.
The Maputo Protocol was adopted by the African Union on July 11, 2003, and the DRC ratified it in 2018. The protocol aims to promote women's rights and health in Africa. According to Mr. Wetshosongo, popularizing the protocol is essential for promoting safe abortion and reducing maternal mortality in the DRC.
The discussion on the Maputo Protocol and safe abortion comes amid efforts to promote sexual and reproductive health in the DRC. The country has been working to improve access to family planning and prevent maternal mortality. However, the issue of abortion remains complex, and there is a need for continued dialogue and education on the laws and protocols governing abortion.
Ultimately, the popularization of the Maputo Protocol and the promotion of safe abortion require a comprehensive approach that involves women's empowerment, education, and access to healthcare. As the DRC continues to work towards improving women's health, it is essential to consider the complexities of abortion laws and protocols and to prioritize women's rights and well-being.
Key points
- The Maputo Protocol authorizes medical abortion under certain conditions, including pregnancy resulting from rape, incest, or severe complications.
