Provisions to be clarified and arguments to be found. Medicalized abortion, provided for under certain circumstances by Article 14 of the Maputo Protocol, was the focus of a scientific day organized on Monday at the Faculty of Law and Political Science of the University of Antananarivo. Jurists, researchers, students, doctoral candidates, and civil society actors discussed the scope of this provision and the arguments that could support Madagascar’s ratification of the text.
Signed by Madagascar in 2004, the Maputo Protocol has still not been ratified by the country, 22 years after its signing. Its Article 14, dedicated to sexual and reproductive health and rights, remains one of the main points of contention. It notably provides for access to medicalized abortion in certain circumstances, such as cases of rape, sexual assault, or incest, as well as when the pregnancy endangers the health of the mother or the fetus.
It is precisely this provision that continues to spark misunderstanding in Madagascar, where voluntary termination of pregnancy remains prohibited by law, except in situations provided for by the legal framework. The scientific day was thus devoted to analyzing the content of the protocol, as well as the health, legal, and social issues linked to its Article 14.
For the participants, the question is particularly relevant for women who are victims of sexual violence and become pregnant as a result of rape or assault. According to Nantenaina Ratsimbazafy, delegate of the Master 2 Professional Human Rights students, ‘Miaro Hasina’ class, these victims can find themselves without sufficient support or protection. Maître Hotiana Raoelina, a lawyer and member of the class, also highlighted the psychological suffering that can be associated with pregnancies resulting from sexual violence.
The discussions also addressed the consequences of clandestine abortions, in a context where access to medicalized abortion remains limited by legislation. The objective was to put the issues of public health and women’s rights into perspective with the provisions of the Maputo Protocol.
Organized by Women Lead Movement Madagascar, Women in Law and Development in Africa (WILDAF), and the ‘Miaro Hasina’ class, this scientific day aims to contribute to the debate on the ratification of the Maputo Protocol. The discussions are intended to help formulate legal, health, and social arguments that could fuel national reflection on this ratification.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-29 10:23:37 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.2424.mg/droits-des-femmes-lavortement-medicalise-au-coeur-dune-journee-scientifique-en-faveur-de-la-ratification-du-protocole-de-maputo/