Black Market for Abortion Pills in Morocco: Prosperous Traffic on Social Media
In Morocco, the black market for abortion pills is thriving online, exposing significant gaps in the health system and social taboos surrounding abortion. Despite strict laws, drugs like misoprostol are sold illegally on platforms like Facebook. These pills, initially intended to treat medical conditions, are diverted for clandestine abortions.
Online Traffic: A Worrying Reality
On social media, anonymous sellers offer misoprostol tablets, guaranteeing their effectiveness in causing uterine contractions and expulsion of the embryo. Ads on Facebook promise “affordable prices” and “guaranteed effectiveness”, but without any medical guarantee or appropriate follow-up. The risks for women’s health are high, because dosages are often not specified.
Legislation and Sanctions
Moroccan law only allows abortion if the woman’s life is in danger. Women who carry out an abortion risk between six months and two years in prison, while people helping them can be sentenced to one to five years in prison. Despite these sanctions, the pills continue to circulate, often imported or stolen from hospitals, and resold at exorbitant prices.
Testimonials from Women
According to the Moroccan Association for the Fight against Clandestine Abortion (Amlac), between 600 and 800 clandestine abortions are performed daily in Morocco. Women like Asmaa, a 37-year-old engineer, use social networks to find solutions, despite the risks. Imane, another woman, preferred to consult a gynecologist and was directed towards surgical solutions or pills sold at very high prices.
Initiatives and Activism
Some organizations, such as the Alternative Movement for Individual Liberties (Mali), offer free abortion pills obtained abroad. Ibtissame Betty Lachgar, coordinator from Mali, explains the dosage and offers follow-up after taking it. Since 2012, she estimates that she has helped between 1,500 and 2,000 women.
Calls for Reform
Amnesty International has called for the decriminalization of abortion in Morocco, saying the state is failing in its international obligations on women’s rights. However, attempts at legislative reform are often blocked due to social and religious controversies. The president of Amlac, Chafik Chraïbi, emphasizes that Moroccan society remains conservative and calls for political awareness.
The black market for abortion pills in Morocco illustrates deep flaws in the legislation and the health system. Testimonies from affected women and initiatives from activists show the urgency of reforming abortion laws to ensure safe and legal access to reproductive health services. Calls for action from international organizations must be heeded to resolve this public health and human rights crisis.
France Media Agency
