A new abortion law is currently being debated in Morocco, led by the king and a sacked gynaecologist. Will a progressive result be achieved?

“If the new abortion law addresses only 10% of the cases, what’s the point?” says Dr Chafik Chraibi, a gynaecologist and leading activist against illegal abortion in Morocco. “What are we going to do with the 90% remaining? We need a sustainable law that is going to serve this and future generations.”

Morocco is now considering legalising abortion, polarising debate between conservatives and liberals, who fear a partial law that will only allow abortions in certain circumstances. At the moment, abortion is only legal in Morocco when the woman’s life, or her physical health is threatened. The impact on mental health, rape and incest, foetal impairment, social and economic reasons, or the woman’s personal choice are still not considered valid reasons.

But last month King Mohammed VI, widely perceived as a progressive on certain social issues, opened a consultation around legalising abortion. As “the commander of the believers”, the king arbitrates religious issues and has a mandate to maintain social harmony.