Turning Rights into Reality 

True progress only happens when rights on paper actually reach people’s lives. In Benin, EngenderHealth acted to make sure abortion rights are not just understood, but trusted and usable by the communities we serve. 

Across West Africa, the consequences of limited access to abortion care are felt every day.  Approximately 1.8 million unsafe abortions occur in the region each year, driven by stigma, limited information, and barriers to safe, reliable care. In this landscape, Benin’s 2021 abortion law—which allows abortion up to 12 weeks of pregnancy and is among the most enabling legal frameworks on the continent—created a powerful opportunity to reduce preventable harm and expand access to safe, affordable care.  

But legal reform alone does not guarantee access. Many women and girls were not aware of their rights under the new law, and providers and communities lacked clear guidance on how it should be applied.  

EngenderHealth united government, health professionals, and youth- and women- led organizations to confront abortion stigma and turn legal rights into accessible care across Benin.

EngenderHealth responded by working from the inside out, supporting government institutions and healthcare providers to clarify the law, expand public understanding, and ensure abortion care can be delivered safely and consistently. Working with the Ministry of Health and national partners, EngenderHealth helped put the law into daily practice so providers knew how to deliver care, and women and girls could safely access services.  

At the same time, EngenderHealth partnered with more than 20 youth and feminist organizations to confront abortion stigma and expand understanding of abortion rights. Through the youth-led Tun Bo Sô (“Know and choose” in Fongbé) campaign, influencers, journalists, comedians, and activists used slam poetry, videos, podcasts, and social media to challenge myths and share accurate information. 

Shared by 50 civil society organizations, the campaign reached nearly 245,000 people, helping shift norms that restrict women’s and girls’ ability to make informed decisions about their health.  

Together, these efforts reflect EngenderHealth’s commitment to locally led action that expands abortion rights, equity, and access across entire communities. 

This story was adapted from EngenderHealth’s FY2025 Annual Report. Explore more stories and results in the full report.

Learn more about EngenderHealth’s work to expand access to safe abortion care in Benin.