In Côte d’Ivoire, abortion is allowed in two situations: in case of rape and when pregnancy poses a danger to the life of the pregnant person (Article 427 of the Penal Code).
In these cases, the attending physician or the surgeon must take the opinion of two consulting physicians, who, after examination, certify that the life of the pregnant person can only be safeguarded by means of such surgical or therapeutic intervention or that such was the will of the rape victim, duly recorded in writing.
The Penal Code also prohibits any incitement of abortion through public discussion, advertisement, or the sale of various substances and products.
It should be noted that Post-Abortion Care (PAC) services are legal, though implementation and access remains mired by challenges.
What are the abortion services available in Côte d’Ivoire?
In Côte d’Ivoire, medical and surgical abortion services are available for pregnancies up to 12 weeks:
Medical abortion services: mifepristone together with misoprostol, or misoprostol only
Surgical abortion services: Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) and Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)
Who can provide a safe abortion in Côte d’Ivoire?
Gynecologists and certain department midwives are authorized to provide an abortion.
Where can I go for legal abortion services in Côte d’Ivoire?
Safe and legal abortions can be performed at registered public and private health facilities.
What is the cost of abortion services in Côte d’Ivoire?
According to a field study, the cost of a medical abortion varies between 10,000 FCFA and 60,000 FCFA.
The cost of MVA varies from CFAF 70,000 to CFAF 150,000 for a safe procedure. It should be noted that certain renowned gynecologists increase the price of the service depending on the specific situation.
Which abortion pills are available in Côte d’Ivoire?
Cytotec Misoprostol Pfizer SA 3, 4, 10, 14, 28, 40, 50, 60, 100 tablet(s) 200 mcg SRA Approved (miso)
Misofar Misoprostol Laboratoires Bial pill(s) 200 mcg WHO prequalified (miso)
Misoclair Misoprostol Acme Formulations (Pvt) Ltd, India 3, 10, 20, 30, 40 tablet(s) 200 mcg WHO prequalified (miso)
Avertiso Misoprostol Acme Formulations (Pvt) Ltd, India 4, 10 tablet(s) 200 mcg WHO prequalified (miso)
Mifepristone is available under the brand name Mifegyne
Where can I buy abortion pills in Côte d’Ivoire?
Abortion pills can be bought in private pharmacies with a gynecologist’s prescription. The customer cannot be served without this prescription and a prescription from a midwife is not eligible.
What do abortion pills look like in Côte d’Ivoire?
Miso-Fem
Cytotec
Misoclear
Misofar
What are the post-abortion services available in Côte d’Ivoire?
Post-abortion services include counselling, treatment for incomplete abortion, treatment of STIs and contraception.
Post-abortion care is available in health facilities with technical facilities to provide the service (doctors’ surgeries, clinics and hospitals).
Who can I contact for additional abortion information and support in Côte d’Ivoire?
