Benin: 2 young women prosecuted for online sale of abortion drugs
Two young women are being prosecuted by the special public prosecutor’s office attached to the Court for the Repression of Economic Crimes and Terrorism (CRIET) for illegal practice in pharmacy. They are on trial for offering abortion drugs online.
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The facts were discussed in the hearing on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. According to the public prosecutor’s office, one of the defendants is identified as the main seller of the products, while the other reportedly used her digital platforms to promote them. The activity took place exclusively online, with deliveries made by a courier to handle distribution.
The case was opened following a complaint from a customer, who reportedly alerted the authorities after an experience regarding the order of these products. The investigation led to the arrest of the two women, who since then have been in pretrial detention. The courier was procedurally pursued.
At the hearing, the three defendants pleaded not guilty. The courier explained to the trial judge that he was merely delivering a package as part of his professional activity, without knowing the exact contents.
Penalties Demanded, Verdict Awaited
The representative of the public prosecutor’s office emphasized the danger the young women’s activity posed to public health. She requested a sentence of two years in prison and a fine of two million CFA francs each. Regarding the courier, the prosecution asked for his acquittal, believing he did not act knowingly.
The defense attorney appealed for the court’s mercy, insisting on his clients’ ignorance of the seriousness of their actions. He pleaded for a lenient application of the law, promising that they would not reoffend. The decision is expected on October 14, 2025.