By: DN News Liberia
The Amplifying Rights Network (ARN) has warned that proposed restrictions on Misoprostol in Liberia will reverse maternal health gains and drive women toward unsafe practices, calling the move “dangerous” for a country with one of the world’s highest maternal mortality rates.
In a statement issued Monday, ARN said tightening access to the WHO-listed essential medicine through prescription-only rules, limited distribution, or policy ambiguity “will do more harm than good.”
Maternal health crisis ARN noted Liberia’s maternal mortality remains over 1,000 deaths per 100,000 live births. Misoprostol is used globally to manage postpartum hemorrhage, incomplete miscarriage, and safe abortion care. “In rural communities, where access to doctors and equipped facilities is limited, such policies effectively deny women timely care,” the group said.
Restrictions don’t stop need Liberia already has one of the region’s most restrictive abortion laws, yet an estimated 38,000 abortions occur annually, many outside formal health systems. Unsafe abortion accounts for 10–15% of maternal deaths. “Restriction does not stop need it only makes outcomes more dangerous,” ARN stated.
Current barriers already hurting women
Medical abortion drugs including Misoprostol and mifepristone already require prescriptions and are limited to licensed providers. ARN said this has caused delays, pushed women to unregulated markets, and led to complications like sepsis, hemorrhage, and infertility.
Unequal impact
The group warned restrictions will hit hardest on rural women, young people, and low-income families. “Women in urban areas with financial means may still navigate the system. However rural women will face geographic and logistical barriers,” ARN said. “These policies exacerbate inequality.”
Calls to government ARN urged the Government of Liberia and stakeholders to: Reject unnecessary restrictions on Misoprostol and other essential reproductive health medicines Adopt evidence-based policies that expand safe, community-level access Strengthen education on proper use
Empower midwives and community health workers to provide life-saving care
“Liberia’s past and present realities make one thing clear: restrictive policies on reproductive health drugs do not protect women—they put them at risk,” the statement said. “Placing further restrictions on Misoprostol will not reduce its use. It will only drive it underground, increase unsafe practices, and cost lives.”
The Ministry of Health has not yet responded to ARN’s statement. UN agencies continue to support provision of essential reproductive health commodities in Liberia as part of efforts to reduce maternal deaths.
