The abortion law in Senegal is one of the most restrictive in Africa and prohibits abortion in almost all circumstances, except one. Article 35 of the Code of Medical Ethics of Senegal provides a single exception: “Therapeutic abortions can only be carried out if this intervention is the only way to save the life of the mother.”
However, this very limited exception is accompanied by extremely onerous procedural conditions: three different doctors (a prescribing doctor and two supervisory doctors) must certify that the life of the pregnant person can be saved only through such intervention. One of the consultant physicians must be named on the court’s list of experts. And a protocol of the decision must then be sent by registered mail to the President of the Medical Association.
What are the different abortion services available in Senegal?
Medical abortion: With the use of pills such as Misoprostol and Mifepristone
Surgical abortion: With Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA)
Who can provide a safe abortion in Senegal?
A qualified doctor, gynaecologist, midwife or state nurse.
Where can I go for abortion services in Senegal?
Public health facilities
Hospitals
Health centres
Health posts
Private health facilities
Medical and paramedical practices
What is the cost of a safe abortion in Senegal?
The price of abortion pills depends on the brand. Misodia costs 980 Fcfa, Misoclear costs 1050 Fcfa, while for other brands such as Cytotec and Artotec the price exceeds 6000 Fcfa. The price of an abortion with pills also depends on the abortion service. The cost of a clandestine medical abortion in a private clinic varies between 300,000 and 500,000 Fcfa.
The price of a Manual Vacuum Aspiration varies between 50 000 Fcfa and 500 000 Fcfa.
Which abortion pills are available in Senegal?
Misoprostol, from brands like Misoclear, Cytotec, Misodia or Artotec
Mifepristone
What do abortion pills look like in Senegal?
Misodia
Misoclear
Where can I buy abortion pills in Senegal?
Abortion pills can only be bought with a prescription from:
Pharmacies
Some health centres
Some clinics
What are the post-abortion care services available in Senegal?
Treatment for incomplete abortions, counselling, contraceptives, treatment and prevention of STIs are the post-abortion services available in Senegal. These services are available in private and public hospitals.
Who can I contact for additional abortion information and support in Senegal?
Centre Régional de Formation, de Recherche et de Plaidoyer en Santé de la Reproduction (CEFOREP) http://www.ceforep.org/ Facebook : https://web.facebook.com/ceforep Twitter: @ceforep Tel : +221 33 823 37 64 | 33 823 29 43 Address : Maternité Hôpital Aristide Le Dantec, Avenue Pasteur – Dakar, B.P. : 22 340 Dakar Ponty
“Knowledge and provision of misoprostol among pharmacy workers in Senegal: a cross sectional study.” BMC Pregnancy and Child birth. Biomed Central. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-017-1394-5
