Togo association holds mock trial on abortion

The Iyawo association organized a mock trial in Lomé on October 23, 2026, to address the taboos surrounding unwanted pregnancies and abortion in Togo. The event aimed to educate young people about their rights and highlight the dangers of clandestine abortions, despite a legal framework that permits abortion under certain conditions.

Elisabeth Apampa, president of Iyawo, stated that many taboos and silences surround these issues, necessitating a direct approach to inform youth about legal mechanisms. Dr. Abram Agossou, a pediatrician and public health specialist, noted that healthcare professionals face obstacles in implementing legal procedures for pregnancy termination, even when cases involve rape, incest, or risks to the woman's life.

Togo's 2007 law on reproductive health allows for pregnancy interruption in specific circumstances, yet implementation challenges persist. The mock trial sought to bridge the gap between legal provisions and their practical application, confronting participants with the realities faced by women and girls seeking safe reproductive healthcare.

Why it mattersWomen and girls in Togo face difficulties accessing safe abortion services due to legal and practical obstacles.

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