title: Ordinance No. 88-19 authorizing the practice of contraception, 7 April 1988.
abstract: The text of this Ordinance authorizing the practice of contraception, including sterilization, in the Niger, is as follows:  "1) The use of modern methods of contraception shall be authorized throughout the national territory. "Contraception" means any action aimed at the voluntary regulation of fertility by the use of natural, medical, or surgical methods.  Contraception may be either reversible or irreversible.  2) Unless there are medical contraindications, the following shall qualify for modern, reversible contraceptive methods:  any person who has reached the age of majority; any minor who is duly authorized by the person exercising parental authority or legal  guardianship; and any mentally handicapped person, on medical advice.  3) Only the following persons may qualify for irreversible methods or surgical sterilization:  women above 35 years of age with at least four living children; women whose lives may be endangered by pregnancy; male persons having at least six living children.  The written consent of the person concerned shall be required in order to qualify for the methods referred to in the first paragraph.  4) In order for married persons to qualify for irreversible methods or surgical sterilization, the written assent of the spouse shall be required.  5) Any contraventions of this Ordinance shall be punished in accordance with the code of ethics and criminal law.  6) All earlier provisions contrary to this Ordinance, and in particular the Law of 31 July 1920, shall be repealed.  7) This Ordinance shall form part of the body of law of the State and shall be enforced as such."
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000349:Africa; D017954:Africa South of the Sahara; D000352:Africa, Northern; D000354:Africa, Western; D000367:Age Factors; D003267:Contraception; D003710:Demography; D003906:Developing Countries; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D005193:Family Planning Services; D007878:Legislation as Topic; D009548:Niger; D011153:Population; D011154:Population Characteristics; D013245:Sterilization, Reproductive; D020458:Third-Party Consent
keywords: Africa; Africa South Of The Sahara; Age Factors; Contraception--legal aspects; Demographic Factors; Developing Countries; Family Planning; French Speaking Africa; Handicapped; Laws And Statutes; Minors; Niger; Parental Consent; Population; Population Characteristics; Spousal Consent; Sterilization, Sexual--legal aspects; Western Africa