OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso — The SOS Jeunesse et Défis Association convened a meeting on Wednesday to disseminate knowledge and experiences related to the safe termination of pregnancy. The session brought together civil society organizations, national and international NGOs, aiming to enhance understanding of legal abortion practices in Burkina Faso.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the executive director of SOS Jeunesse et Défis, the meeting focused on familiarizing participants with the legal texts, challenges, and future prospects of safe abortion in the country. Ouédraogo detailed that under Burkina Faso law, abortion is permissible in cases of rape, incest, fetal malformation, or when necessary to save the life or preserve the health of the woman. The session was held in Ouagadougou and aimed at promoting lawful and safe abortion procedures.

"Significant progress has been made on this issue, thanks to various international conventions that support medical abortion under conditions stipulated by our national laws," Ouédraogo remarked. He referenced the Maputo Protocol, the law on reproductive health, and the penal code as key legal frameworks regulating abortion in Burkina Faso.

Ouédraogo emphasized the difference between prohibited clandestine abortions and those legally performed in public and private health facilities, highlighting the need for continued education to prevent unsafe practices. He urged authorities and other organizations to actively promote legal provisions regarding safe abortion to safeguard women’s health.

Dr. Mathieu Bougouma, representing the Director of Family Health, praised the collaborative efforts facilitated through the Chare-Net Burkina platform. Funded by the Ministry of Affairs of the Netherlands, Chare-Net focuses on equitable access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services and operates in seven countries, including Burkina Faso since 2011.

"Today's discussions are crucial for consolidating practices and behaviors that support SRH in our community," added Dr. Bougouma.

Established in 2001, the SOS Jeunesse et Défis association is a Burkinabé NGO dedicated to promoting sexual and reproductive health among young people.