A few days ago, the minister of Women’s Rights, Child Development, Family Welfare and Consumer Protection, Indira Seebun, took quite a strong stand on the abortion issue, saying that it should be allowed in specific cases. Since then, a lot has been written on the matter and, as expected, passions unleashed. Those defending women’s rights have once more expressed their will to see the government legalise abortion while “life protectors” look shocked by the minister’s words. We can only hope that the debate will be constructive this time.

The minister did not take any risks when she made her declaration. She made it clear that this was a personal stand, which in no way committed her party or the government. Since this interview given to l’express, Indira Seebun doesn’t want to make any comment on the issue. She clearly doesn’t want to revive polemics, as this is a very delicate issue.

<B>Attached to traditions</B>

Mauritius is definitely what we could call a traditional society. Contrarily to a certain number of occidental countries, Mauritians are still very much attached to family and religious traditions. This is probably why the issue of abortion unleashes so much passion. And it is certainly why no government wants to legalise such a practice.

However, the statistics are there. It is a fact that, even if abortion is illegal, women continue to do it. Unwanted pregnancies or risks linked to pregnancy exist in our society and a certain number of doctors accept to do the intervention even though it is illegal. And this is where the problem really arises. Abortions are often done in unhygienic and risky conditions for women. The latter turn to any doctor and are ready to accept anything to have an abortion.

It is however also a fact that abortion can cause traumatising psychological damage to some women. Apart from the right to life for the foetus, this is one of the main arguments of those against abortion. This is true but what should not be forgotten is that the decision is made by the woman and she is the one who has to assume the consequences.

Is Mauritius ready for such legalisation? Well, Mauritian women have had abortions for years. The decision may be questionable but women will continue to do it… If there is a way of protecting them from major complications linked to the fact that they have to do it illegally, why not?