demonstration in Rabat for the right to abortion

Dozens of feminist activists demonstrated on Wednesday, September 28, in Rabat to demand the revision of laws criminalizing abortion in Morocco following the death of a teenager victim of an illegal abortion. The demonstrators held up signs denouncing a draconian law in front of parliament: “abortion is one of women’s rights”, “the law killed me”, “abortion is medical care”, “respect my choice”.

“We are present today because our voices count to make things happen. Every human being must have his body. Laws must be reformed and society will follow!”

Khaoula, student

at AFP

Moroccan law punishes abortion with six months to five years in prison except when the mother’s health is in danger. The penal code sanctions both the woman who aborts (from six months to two years in prison) and those who practice the act (from one to five years in prison). From 600 to 800 clandestine abortions are performed every day in Morocco, according to associations campaigning for its legalization.

“We have been asking for the decriminalization of abortion for ten years now. We are renewing this demand today. The legislator is responsible for this situation and for the violence and difficulties that women endure”

Fouzia Yassine, member of the “Spring of Dignity”, coalition of Moroccan feminist associations

at AFP

In 2015, Morocco engaged in an in-depth debate on “the emergency” a relaxation of its legislation in the face of the scourge of hundreds of clandestine abortions performed every day, in sometimes disastrous sanitary conditions.

An official commission had even recommended that abortion be authorized in “certain cases of force majeure”, especially in cases of rape or serious malformations of the foetus. No law has since come to endorse these recommendations ardently supported by activists.