In a recent episode of the SRHM Podcast, Eszter Kismődi spoke with Naa Dodoo, Ramatou Ouedraogo and Béniel Agossou about his work ACORCA – the African Coalition for Abortion Research and Communication and her vision of an Africa where every woman and girl has access to safe, high-quality abortion services without stigma or fear.
A coalition born of urgency – and possibility
ACORCA was created in response to two critical realities:
First, the urgent need for credible African-led abortion research that can directly influence policy and practice; and secondly, the recognition that for too long, abortion research on the continent has led largely outside of Africa.
Sixteen founding institutions came together to change this dynamic. The goal was not just to produce more research, but place ownership, leadership and funding decisions in African handswhile at the same time enhancing local research capacity. As Naa Dodoo explained, building the expertise of young and emerging African researchers is central to ensuring that evidence generation is sustainable and grounded in lived realities.
At the heart of ACORCA’s work is a powerful vision:
an Africa where every woman and girl has access to safe, high-quality abortion services, free of stigma and able to exercise their reproductive rights with dignity and autonomy.
The reality of abortion access: limitations, risk and stigma
In much of sub-Saharan Africa, abortion laws remain highly restrictive. These legal barriers mean that many women and girls cannot access services safely within health facilities and are forced to turn to unsafe methods, often with disastrous consequences.
Ramatou Ouedraogo highlighted that unsafe abortion is a major contributor to maternal mortality in the region – around 10% of maternal deaths are associated with unsafe abortions. And even in settings where abortion is legal under certain conditions, lack of awareness and fear of stigma often prevent women from seeking the care they deserve.
Crucially, research consistently shows this Restrictive laws don’t reduce abortions – they just make them more dangerous. Women will still seek abortions when faced with unintended pregnancies. The real difference is whether they can do it safely or are pushed into unsafe, life-threatening situations.
Because data matters for real change
ACORCA’s core strategy is based on the power of evidence. By documenting the realities on the ground, the incidence of abortion, the risks of unsafe procedures, the impact of stigma, and the outcomes of legal reform, the coalition provides policymakers with the information they need to review harmful laws and improve service delivery.
As Benin’s recent legal changes show, reform is possible in Africa. ACORCA’s work aims to ensure that this progress is not only achieved, but monitored, strengthened and extended.
ACORCA addresses cultural, legal and health barriers in two main ways:
research and communication/advocacy.
Coalition members in countries such as Rwanda, Ghana and South Africa have produced studies showing that even where laws have improved, women may still resort to unsafe methods if they do not know their rights or cannot easily access services.
But data alone is not enough. These elements must be actively used. Through regional dialogues, policy meetings and media engagement, ACORCA brings researchers, health professionals, lawyers and government officials in the same space. This ensures that evidence directly informs decision-making, practice and law reform – and that the right questions are asked by those who can make a difference.
A truly bilingual, pan-African approach
One of ACORCA’s defining strengths is its commitment to work beyond language differences. The coalition works on both French and Englishrecognizing that French and English-speaking countries face similar challenges but often work in silos.
By encouraging exchange and cooperation between language groups, ACORCA contributes to building solidarity, shared learning and stronger regional strategies to promote safe access to abortion across the continent.
A shared commitment to rights-based and evidence-based knowledge
At SRHM, we share ACORCA’s commitment to African-led knowledge production, bilingual collaboration and the diversification of what counts as evidence. From academic articles to practice-based insights and community knowledge, the sexual and reproductive justice movement must be as inclusive and intersectional as the people it seeks to serve.
To learn more or get involved, visit acorca-coarca.org.
Further resources:
Webinars: #webinar-series
