Harsh abortion sentences are putting Malagasy women at risk

In Madagascar, a predominantly Christian country, abortion is illegal, including for victims of rape, and is punishable by ten years in prison. Activists campaigning for the legalisation of abortion are hoping their efforts will one day bring positive change to the many women across the country who have to turn to dangerous clandestine abortions.

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byAbdulateef Ahmed

September 7, 2025

Medical Tools belonging to a woman practicing illegal abortion are displayed on a table in her living room on July 25, 2019 in Antananarivo. - In Madagascar, the predominantly Christian island state where the Pope is expected in early September, abortion is illegal, including in cases of rape, and punishable by 10 years in prison. In this poor country of 25 million inhabitants, three women die each day following a "spontaneous or induced abortion," according to Lalaina Razafinirinasoa, national leader of the British-based family planning NGO, Marie Stopes International. (Photo by GIANLUIGI GUERCIA / AFP)

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Abdulateef Ahmed

Abdulateef Ahmed, Digital News Editor and; Research Lead, is a self-driven researcher with exceptional editorial skills. He's a literary bon vivant keenly interested in green energy, food systems, mining, macroeconomics, big data, African political economy, and aviation..