Induced Abortion among Adolescents and Young People in Yaoundé (Cameroon): A Qualitative Analysis Of The Role Of Relevant Actors

Alice Noël Tchoumkeu, Institut de Formation et de Recherche Démographiques (IFORD)
Firmin Zinvi, Institut de Formation et de Recherche Démographiques (IFORD)
Charles Mouté, Institut de Formation et de Recherche Démographiques (IFORD)
Gervais Beninguisse, Institut de Formation et de Recherche Démographiques (IFORD)

Using original data from sexual and reproductive health of adolescents and young collected in Yaoundé (Cameroon) in 2011, this article discusses the roles and responsibilities of the various actors involved in illegal abortion among adolescents and young people in Yaoundé. Due to legal restrictions on abortion, there are myriad actors who are involved (either directly or indirectly) in the practice of abortion, sometimes unexpected actors. While the causes and consequences of illegal abortion are fairly well documented, there remains a dearth of data on the roles that different actors play in this social phenomenon. The overall objective of this article is to understand the roles of all actors involved directly or indirectly in the process of clandestine abortion among adolescents and young people in Yaoundé. The article analyzes the role of the environment and social networks in the decision to have an abortion, and helps to elucidate the decision-making process