Pregnancy termination has claimed another victim. In Mandritsara, a 24-year-old woman died following a clandestine abortion. The pregnant woman reportedly succumbed to hemorrhaging. The tragedy occurred at the home of a woman locally known for performing abortions using massages and traditional herbal infusions.
Maternal mortality linked to abortion remains high in Madagascar. According to the final report of the national strategic assessment to explore needs and priorities regarding contraception, unplanned pregnancies, and post-abortion care in Madagascar, published by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the 408 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births recorded in 2021 are linked, among other things, to complications from unsafe abortions that occur when pregnancies are neither desired nor planned, due to a lack of access to contraceptive methods. The same report notes that nearly 46 to 63% of unwanted pregnancies result in an abortion, which is often clandestine and risky.
In Madagascar, abortion remains prohibited, whether it is voluntary or therapeutic. A bill introduced by former parliamentarian Masy Goulamaly aimed at authorizing therapeutic abortion, particularly in cases of danger to the mother or child, did not succeed. It faced opposition from religious groups. This text is currently on hold. A bill aimed at decriminalizing abortion is preparing to be submitted to parliamentarians once again. The practice persists in secrecy in the absence of a legal framework.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-28 06:38:34 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/sante-maternelle-une-jeune-femme.html