Strict legislation still limits access to abortions upon request in Namibia, but the services are still available for women who fall under certain conditions. Both surgical and medical abortions are available at government-approved facilities. [1]
Is Abortion Legal in Namibia?
Abortion is only legal if it poses a risk to the pregnant person or if there are mental or physical risks with the foetus
What Types of Abortion are Available in Namibia
The following abortion methods available in Namibia:
- Abortion with pills (MA)
- Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA)
- Electric Vacuum Aspiration (EVA)
- Dilation and Curettage (D&C)*
*D&C is an outdated abortion method and should be replaced by MVA when possible. [2]
What is the abortion rate in Namibia? How Many Women Have Abortions?
N/A
In-Clinic Abortion
What are the Different Types of In-Clinic Abortion Procedures Available in Namibia?
- Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) – less than 12 weeks
- Electric Vacuum Aspiration (EVA) – less than 12 weeks
- Dilation and Curettage (D&C)*- less than 12 weeks
*D&C is an outdated aboriton method and should be replaced by MVA when possible.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. [3]
You can get more information on the MVA procedure here
Where Can I get a Manual Vacum Aspiration (MVA) Abortion in Namibia?
Legal abortion services are available at a public health institution or approved private facility. However, the service is difficult to access as many medical practitioners refuse to perform abortions for fear of being penalized. [4]
How Much Does Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) Cost in Namibia?
Ask sales reps
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 afterward, 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.
Abortion with Pills (Medical Abortion)
Are the Abortion Pills (Mifepristone and Misoprostol) Available in Namibia?
Both Mifepristone and Misoprostol are available at approved medical facilities. They can also be purchased at pharmacies with an approved doctor’s prescription.
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 from a doctor is required for Mifepristone and Misoprostol in Namibia.
What Brands of Abortion Pill Are Popular in Botswana?
The most popular brand in Namibia is Cytotec [5]
How Much Do the Abortion Pills Cost in Botswana?
Between $20 USD and $60 USD
Who Can I Contact for More Information on Abortion in Namibia?
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.
[1] Global Abortion Policies Database. Country profile: Namibia: https://abortion-policies.srhr.org/country/namibia/
[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] Ipas. Clinical Updates in Reproductive Health. 2019. Retrieved from: https://ipas.azureedge.net/files/CURHE19-april-ClinicalUpdatesInReproductiveHealth.pdf
[4] Namibia Country Fact Sheet – Unsafe Abortion.” Heard.org.za. https://www.heard.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/namibia-country-factsheet-abortion-2016.pdf
[5]“HEALTH-NAMIBIA: Illegal Abortions Common Despite Risks.” Inter Press Service News agency. http://www.ipsnews.net/2009/10/health-namibia-illegal-abortions-common-despite-risks/