Cape Verde: 75% Support Abortion Rights for Mother’s Health
A significant majority of Cape Verdeans support a woman’s right to access abortion when medical necessity is involved, according to new data from the pan-African research network Afrobarometer. The survey reveals that 75% of citizens believe the procedure is justified “always” or “sometimes” if a woman’s life or health is at risk.
While support is highest for health-related reasons, the survey of 1,200 people conducted between August and September 2024 shows varying levels of acceptance depending on the circumstances. Support remains high at 59% in cases of rape or incest, but drops significantly to 36% when the justification is economic hardship. Only 27% of respondents believe abortion is justified for any reason regardless of context.
A Progressive Legal Framework
Cape Verde has long been a regional outlier regarding reproductive rights. The country decriminalized the voluntary termination of pregnancy in 1986 and established formal regulations in 1987. Under current law, women can choose to terminate a pregnancy within the first 12 weeks, provided the procedure is performed by medical professionals in authorized health facilities.
Beyond the 12-week mark, the law allows for terminations without a specific gestational limit under three conditions: if the pregnancy poses a serious risk to the woman’s physical or mental health, if there is a high probability of severe fetal defects, or if the fetus may inherit a serious disease.
Broad Support for Women’s Autonomy
The Afrobarometer survey looked beyond abortion to measure general attitudes toward sexual and reproductive health and rights. The findings suggest a cultural shift toward gender equality and empowerment in the archipelago.
“The results show that Cape Verdeans strongly support women’s autonomy in decisions regarding marriage and motherhood,” the report noted. Furthermore, the public expressed overwhelming support for social policies that keep young women in the education system, specifically advocating for the right of pregnant girls and young mothers to continue their studies. There is also a strong mandate for the inclusion of sexual education in the national school curriculum.
Image: Pexels – Thomas Schwaak
