Abortion in DRC

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DRC ratified the Maputo Protocol in 2008 which allows access to legal abortions in the case of sexual assault, rape, incest, fetal anomalies, and to preserve the mental and physical health of the mother. Though Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) abortion and Medical Abortion with Misoprostol are avilable in the country, they are often only used to treat incomplete abortions.

Is Abortion Legal in DRC?

Under the penal code of DRC, abortion in any circumstances is prohibited. However, it is generally accepted that abortion can be performed if the life of the mother is in danger. In 2008, the DRC has ratified, without reservation, the Maputo Protocol, which allows for abortion in cases of rape, incest when the woman’s physical or mental health is in danger. As a pure monist state, the ratification of this protocol in the context of the DRC means that it is immediately incorporated into national law, and any existing national law that contradicts it should be nullified. Therefore abortions under these conditions should be legally available, but unfortunately, there is still stigma and limited acceptance of the fact in DRC. [1]

What Types of Abortion are Available in DRC?

  • Abortion with pills (Misoprostol only)
  • Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA)
  • Dilation and Currettage (D&C)*

*D&C is an outdated abortion method and should be replaced by MVA when possible. [2]

What is the abortion rate in DRC? How Many Women Have Abortions?

An estimated 56 per 1000 women have an abortion in DRC. [3]

In-Clinic Abortion

What are the Different Types of In-Clinic Abortion Procedures Available in DRC?

  • Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA)
  • Electric Vacuum Aspiration (EVA)
  • Dilation and Curettage (D&C)*: Most practitioners, due to limited resources offer “Dilation and Curettage”. This service is available in all hospitals where providers have received training for therapeutic abortions and typically can be administered up to 23 weeks.
  • Post Abortion Care (PAC): Misoprostol is provided to women as part of Post-Abortion Care (PAC) services to treat and incomplete abortion or miscarriage.

*D&C is an outdated abortion method and should be replaced by MVA when possible. [2]

Is Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) safe?

MVA is a very safe method of abortion for pregnancies in the first trimester, and/or early second trimester all the way up to 14 weeks of gestation. MVA is 99% effective. [4]

Where Can I get a Manual Vacum Aspiration (MVA) Abortion in DRC?

MVA procedures are typically performed by Doctors, clinical officers or nurses. Most Post Abortion Care (PAC) services are offered by private clinics. [5]

How Much Does Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) Cost in DRC?

An MVA costs between USD 11 and USD 17 in DRC.

Are There Any Side Effects of Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA)?

The most common side effect is cramping during the procedure. Often this cramping will improve quickly afterwards, but some women may experience cramping on and off for a few days or weeks. Most women will experience bleeding and cramping during and after MVA, these symptoms will gradually improve in the following days after the procedure. [4]

Abortion with Pills (Medical Abortion)

Are the Abortion Pills (Mifepristone and Misoprostol) Available in DRC?

Only Misoprostol is available in the DRC. [6]

How Late Into a Pregnancy Can the Abortion Pills Be Used?

The abortion pills can be used within the first 13 weeks of pregnancy.

You can get more information on the medical abortion protocol using Mifepristone and Misoprostol or using Misoprostol only.

Do I Need a Prescription for Mifepristone? Misoprostol?

A prescription is required in DRC, though some pharmacists may sell Misoprostol without a prescription.

What Brands of Abortion Pill Are Popular in DRC?

Miso-200, Misocare, Mifepack, and Mifecare [6]

Misocare abortion pills in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

2500 CDF

Miso200 abortion pills in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

2500 CDF

Mifepack abortion pills in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

10000 CDF

Mifecare abortion pills in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

10000 CDF

How Much Do the Abortion Pills Cost in DRC?

Misoprostol costs between USD 5 – USD 75 depending on the method of provision.

Who Can I Contact for More Information on Abortion in DRC?

Hotline: 136

WhatsApp: 00243891897777
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BatelaLobiNaYo, https://www.facebook.com/okcondomsrdc/, https://www.facebook.com/dkt.rdc
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dkt_rd
Website: https://dkt-rdc.org/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dkt-rd-congo

Polycline Et Maternite Aux Bon Soin

Quartier Abattoir 2 Av. Kimbata 4

Masina 1 non loin du Marché Olivia/route Petro Congo

Prix: Moins de 30,000 FC

Centre Medical Esperodi

Av. Marechal 22 Quartier Sans Fil Non Loin De L’arret Tribunal

Masina 1

Prix: Moins de 30,000 FC

Polyclinique Bongisa Libota

Quartier Lubumbashi, Ref: Croisement Avenue Gambela / Kasa-Vubu

Av: Sandoa N°56, Kasa-Vubu

Prix: Gratuit

Polyclinique Bongisa Libota

Quartier 3 Av. Table Ronde N°38, Ref: Route Kulumba

Masina

Prix: Gratuit

Centre De Santé Kitokimosi

Maison Communale De Selembao

Selembao

Prix: 20,000 FC

Centre De Sante Rapha

Avenue Akala N°5 Quartier Nkulu Référence/Air Mabanga-Selembao

Selembao

Prix: 20,000 FC

Centre De Sante Sainte-Anne

Avenue Madowamba N°23 Quartier Badiadingi Reference.

Arret Wenze/Selembao

Selembao

Prix: 20,000 FC

Centre De Sante Main De Dieu

Avenue Bosembo N°16 Quartier Ndanu/Kingabwa/Reference Wenze Localité

Kingabwa

Prix: 20,000 FC

Centre De Sante Mayamba

Avenue Lukula N°5 Reference: Kingabwa Point Chaud/Code Ya Mboka

Kingabwa

Prix: 20,000 FC

Centre De Sante Amba

Avenue Kingombe N°116 Quartier Amba, Reference: Avenue De L’école

Kinsenso

As you have been doing before

Avenue Luangi N°19, Quartier Libération, Référence: Wenze Ya Bambu, Terrain Lubembo, Kinseso

Kinsenso

Prix: 20,000 FC

Centre De Sante Revolution

Avenue Kitona N°7 Et 8, Quartier Révolution, Référence: Paroisse Saint Thomas, Pont Tordeur/Kinseso

Kinsenso

Prix: 20,000 FC

Centre De Sante Caideco

Avenue Zaba N°58 Quartier Mbanza Lemba, Référence: Église Pp Kin

Lemba

Prix: 20,000 FC

Centre De Sante Kimbanguiste

Avenue Lwange N°2 Référence: Lemba Foire, Hopital Kimbanguiste

Lemba

Prix: 20,000 FC

Centre De Sante Marcello

Avenue Clinic Medical N°3 Bis Quartier Kemi, R2ference Triangle Campus/Lemba

Lemba

Prix: 20,000 FC

Centre De Sante Badara/Kimbanseke

Camp Kabila

Badara /Kimbanseke

Prix: 20,000 FC

Centre De Sante Lufungula

Camp Lufungula / Lingwala

Prix: 20,000 FC

Centre De Sante Camp Kbila

Camp Kabila/Kimbanseke

Prix: 20,000 FC

You can get in touch with safe2choose’s counselors by email at info@safe2choose.org or by livechat.

You can also reach out to Women on Web or Women Help Women.

LEARN ABOUT YOUR COUNTRY

Authors:

by the safe2choose team and supporting experts at carafem, based on the 2019 recommendations by Ipas, and the 2012 recommendations by the WHO.

safe2choose is an online counseling and informational plateform that supports women who want a safe abortion, and when needed, refers them to trusted, trained and pro-choice healthcare providers.

carafem provides convenient and professional abortion care and family planning so people can control the number and spacing of their children.

Ipas is the only international organization solely focused on expanding access to safe abortion and contraceptive care.

WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health.

[1] PRB. Expanding Access to Safe Abortion in the DRC: Clarifications to the Law. Retrieved from:https://www.prb.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/SAFE-ENGAGE-DRC-Legal-Fact-Sheet.pdf

[2] WHO. Safe abortion: technical and policy guidance for health systems. Second edition. Retrieved from: https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/70914/9789241548434_eng.pd%20f?sequence=1

[3] Guttmacher Institute. Induced Abortion and Postabortion Care in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Retrieved from: https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/abortion-kinshasa

[4] Ipas. Clinical Updates in Reproductive Health. 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.ipas.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Ipas-Clinical-Updates-in-Reproductive-Health-CURHE23b.pdf

[5] Guttmacher Institute. Unintended Pregnancy and Abortion in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo: Challenges and Progress. Retrieved from: https://www.guttmacher.org/report/unintended-pregnancy-abortion-kinshasa-drc

[6] https://www.medab.org/