Abortion in Cameroon

Medical abortion is authorized in Cameroon and is subject to a specific legal framework.

Is abortion legal in Cameroon?

Abortion is prohibited in Cameroon with the exception of pregnancies that endanger the health and life of the mother or that are a result of rape. It has to be certified by the public ministry, and any person who procures an abortion for a woman is liable to imprisonment, ranging from fifteen days to five years, and a fine, ranging from 5,000 to 2,000,000 CFA francs [1].

What types of abortion are available in Cameroon?

Medical and surgical abortions are available.

What is the abortion rate in Cameroon? How many women have abortions?

A study concluded that unsafe abortions (24%) and ectopic pregnancies (5.8%) contribute to 30% of maternal deaths. The 20- to 24-year-old age group is the most represented (33.1%) in this percentage, followed by 25- to 29-year-olds (24.19%) [2].

Abortion with pills (Medical Abortion)

Are the abortion pills (Mifepristone and Misoprostol) available in Cameroon?

Yes, these abortion pills are available at pharmacies in Cameroon.

How late into a pregnancy can the abortion pills be used?

The pills can be used up to 13 weeks of pregnancy.

Do I need a prescription for Mifepristone or Misoprostol?

Obtaining abortion pills is still subject to a strict medical prescription, and most ordinary health personnel in Cameroon do not prescribe them.

What brands of abortion pills are popular in Cameroon?

Misoprostol is available under the brand name Cytotec; and Misoprostol, in combination with Mifepristone, is available under the brand name Mifepak.

3 670 XAF

3 645 XAF

1 020 XAF

860 XAF

How much do the abortion pills cost in Cameroon?

The cost varies according to the pharmacies and the brands. Cytotec costs about 6,600 CFA francs [3].

In-clinic abortion

What are the different types of in-clinic abortion procedures available in Cameroon?

The different types of procedures available are the surgical method, which is manual intrauterine aspiration, dilation and curettage, and drug treatments.

Is Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) safe?

Observational studies indicate that vacuum aspiration is associated with fewer complications than dilation and curettage [4].

Where can I get a Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) abortion in Cameroon?

It can be carried out at any public health center with an appropriate technical platform and in 4th-, 3rd-, 2nd-, and 1st-category clinics.

How much does Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) cost in Cameroon?

A surgical abortion in Cameroon can cost, on average, between 50,000 XOF and 350,000 XOF. Some providers may have prices below 50,000 and others above 350,000.

Are there any side effects of Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA)?

The most common side effects associated with a vacuum aspiration abortion include severe cramping during the procedure and often for a few days afterwards [5].

Who can I contact for more information in Cameroon?

Cameroonian National Planning Association for Family Welfar
B.P. 11994 Yaoundé, Cameroon
Phone: 237 22 20 36 99 / 237 77 51 83 48
camnafaw@ippf.org

Plan International Cameroon – Country Office
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/pg/PlanInternationalCameroon/about/
Phone: (+237) 2 22 21 54 58
Email: cameroon.co@plan-international.org

Mother of Hope Cameroon – MOHCAM
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/motherofhopecameroon/
Phone: (+237) 6 73 54 05 17
Skype: motherofhope.cameroon

Women for a Change Cameroon
wfaccameroon.org
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/pg/WfacCMR/about/
Email: director@wfaccameroon.org
Phone: (+237) 6 75 09 42 92 | 6 96 00 91 79 | 6 77 15 09 24 | 6 75 22 67 76

Community Action for Gender Development (COMAGEND) – www.comagendcameroon.org
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/women.girls.healthrights/
Phone: (+237) 6 75 46 99 66

Triggerise – Tiko Cameroon
https://www.facebook.com/tiko.cameroon/