The Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians of Cameroon (SOGOC) has called on lawmakers to enact a comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) law in Cameroon, saying the absence of a dedicated legal framework continues to create uncertainty around access to lawful reproductive health services.
In a press release issued to mark International Safe Abortion Day, SOGOC said its appeal was made on behalf of women and girls who, according to the organisation, continue to suffer in silence from the consequences of unsafe abortion.
The organisation noted that Cameroon’s existing legislation already provides for abortion under specific circumstances. Article 339 of the Penal Code permits abortion where a pregnancy places the mother’s life in grave danger or where the pregnancy results from rape.
SOGOC said women falling within these circumstances should be able to seek care at health facilities and receive guidance through the procedures prescribed by law, with dignity.
However, the organisation pointed out that abortion remains restricted outside these exceptions. It cited Article 337, which provides penalties for a woman who procures or consents to her own abortion, as well as imprisonment for persons who perform an abortion. Article 338, it added, provides further penalties relating to violence against a pregnant woman.
SOGOC expressed concern over what it described as the human cost of unsafe abortion in Cameroon.
Citing a 2019 publication in the Pan African Medical Journal, the organisation said unsafe abortion is estimated to account for 25 percent of maternal deaths in Cameroon.
It said behind the statistics are women who die from complications such as haemorrhage and infection, while others are left with infertility, stigma and fear of prosecution.
According to SOGOC, safe abortion forms part of broader sexual and reproductive health and rights, but Cameroon currently has no dedicated legal framework governing SRHR.
The organisation said this legal gap leaves healthcare providers uncertain while women may lack clear pathways to access care that is already permitted under existing law.
SOGOC is therefore advocating for the promulgation of a comprehensive SRHR law.
The organisation called on lawmakers and policymakers to enact legislation aimed at protecting the health of women and girls, clarifying procedures and removing barriers to care.
It also urged healthcare providers to make lawful safe abortion services accessible to every eligible woman, insisting that such services should be provided with professionalism, empathy and without discrimination.
SOGOC concluded its appeal with a call for greater protection of women and girls, stating that “No woman or girl should lose her life for want of safe, lawful care.”
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