“Young people and even married women dearly require abortion services and they often come secretly to our shrines,” laments Sekuru Peter Maponda, a traditional healer.
“But we feel that such services should be provided in health facilities since they are matters of life and death. We have heard cases of young women dying due to complications after taking some concoctions in a bid to abort.”
In Zimbabwe, a nation grappling with a restrictive abortion law, countless women and girls are forced to seek dangerous, clandestine procedures.
The 1977 Termination of Pregnancy Act, which permits abortion only in cases of life-threatening pregnancies, rape, or incest, has driven many to desperate measures.
As traditional healers and activists alike grapple with this crisis, a crucial question emerges; should Zimbabwe modernize its outdated legislation to prioritize the health and well-being of its citizens?
“Legalizing abortion ensures individuals’ Right to Autonomy, allowing them to make informed choices about their bodies and health,” explained Nasper Manyau, a former disability senator.
“This is particularly crucial for people with disabilities who may face significant health risks during pregnancy or childbirth. Additionally, it improves access to necessary reproductive healthcare, eliminating barriers and discrimination.”
She highlighted the emotional and psychological toll of unwanted pregnancies, especially those resulting from abuse, “most women with disabilities are being abused by their relatives, and it’s difficult to report someone who is a family breadwinner.”
Ashley Taigwa of Zimpact emphasized the urgent need for safe abortion services: “The prevalence of both legal and illegal abortions underscores the necessity of such services. Government and policymakers should consider a paradigm shift, making sexual and reproductive health services accessible to all.
“Research shows that countries with less restrictive abortion laws experience lower maternal mortality rates and reduced healthcare costs associated with childbirth.”
Taigwa said restrictive abortion laws does not stop unsafe abortions to happen hence the laws should be totally liberalized to save lives.
According to Guttmacher Institute (2016) over 65 000 women had induced abortions in Zimbabwe and there is evidence that shows that restrictive abortion laws harm women’s health.
According to the World Health Organisation, 23 000 women die from unsafe abortions each year and tens of thousands experience complications globally
Masiyiwa said there is need for awareness raising to curb stigma and discrimination against women who abort.
“We are conducting programmes in communities and the media to giving them correct information on abortion since there are some myth and misconceptions towards the topic. Some communities do not want to discuss about it especially in churches as they regard it as a taboo yet church members are part of the community they are being raped by church leaders and they shy out to report resulting to backyard abortions. The programmes are being done under the banner: Value Clarification and Attitude Transformation (VCAT),” she said.
She said, by virtue that the Government has allowed access to post – abortion services to everyone, it’s a true indication that it has admitted that abortions are happening be it legal or illegally.
“Post abortion care treatment is essential to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality due to unsafe abortions. Giving birth is riskier than having a safe abortion and there is need to investing in sexual reproductive health services such as having a wide family planning choices for women and men. Unsafe abortions are the 5th contributor to maternal mortality. Current statistics have shown that maternal mortality rate in Zimbabwe is at 362 per 100 000 live birth and with these interventions including law reforms we hope to be at 70 deaths per 100 000 births by 2030,” said Masiyiwa.
Speaking at a recent presser on the landmark judgement on Termination of Pregnancy Act (ToP), Isheanesu Chirisa the Director of Women and Law in Southern Africa said it is a great relief for women and girls who have been underprivileged for the past 47 years under the (ToP of 1977).
“On 22 November this year, Justice Maxwell Takuva declared Section 2 (1) of the Termination of Pregnancy Act (Chapter 15:10) unconstitutional and invalid hence it was set aside awaiting constitutional approval. That section of law was denying access to legal abortion for children below the age of 18 and married women who are victims of marital rape. Women who are raped by their spouses have the right to abort so do the young girls under the age of 18 because they cannot consent to any sexual activity,” she said.
She said the mandate of reviewing the law is to ensure that women and girls have access to safe and legal abortions and to exercise the right to health and protection of children from sexual exploitation.
Mr Tendai Biti a Human Rights Lawyer who stood for this matter on behalf of WILSA said over 70 000 induced abortions are happening in Zimbabwe which translates to 250 abortions daily or nine abortions hourly which is a disaster that needs to be averted timeously through revisiting some of the laws that’s are not moving times.
“As we are seated here, nine abortions are happening and lives are being lost. It’s time to take actions and protect lives whether the sexual activity was legal or illegal women have the right to protect themselves too and being responsible for their well-being,” he said.
Alice Lutwaba, a community child care worker from Dema under Chief Seke said restrictive abortion laws won’t stop unsafe abortions.
“We are now living in a global village where information moves very fast through the internet hence communities have easy access to information about abortion, often leading to risky practices. Those with resources may resort to corrupt means, while the majority of vulnerable women and girls turn to clandestine abortions.
“The tragic loss of life due to these procedures underscores the need for safe, accessible abortion services provided by qualified healthcare professionals,” she said.
A clandestine abortion, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), is an unsafe procedure performed in a hidden manner, putting a woman’s health and life at risk. Approximately 45% of abortions worldwide are carried out under unsafe conditions.
According to the World Health Organisation, approximately 800 women die daily from pregnancy-related causes.
Samson Mutanda from Epworth advocates for reforming Zimbabwe’s outdated abortion laws to protect vulnerable populations.
He states that, countries like South Africa, India, and the USA, where legalized and accessible abortion services are available, have lower maternal mortality rates.
Furthermore, Mutanda emphasizes the importance of individual autonomy and bodily rights.
Members of the Junior Parliamentarians have also highlighted the need to modernize Zimbabwe’s restrictive abortion laws, calling for a more progressive approach to reproductive healthcare.
Junior Member of Parliament, Honourable Leadus Mukudu of the Girls Quota Budiriro North Constituency, expressed concern over the high rates of unsafe abortions, particularly among young people.
“Zimbabwe should investing in research, revisiting its abortion laws, and easing the financial burden on women seeking these services abroad. Political will is crucial in this endeavour. Unsafe abortions are prevalent in vulnerable communities who live below the poverty datum line where drug abuse, sex work, early school dropouts are an order of the day,” she said.
Child sexual abuse, especially against underage girls, remains a pressing issue in Zimbabwe. Last year alone, over 4 500 girls were forced to drop out of school due to pregnancy, with a significant number being primary school pupils.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently signed a law to harshly punish perpetrators of child sexual abuse.
Honourable Achidaishe Hove, a Junior Senator, highlighted the impact of harmful cultural practices such as ‘kuzvarira”, “kuripa ngozi’ kugara nhaka’ and ‘kuroteswa mudzimai’ in some apostolic sects and how they impact negatively on young girls.
Honourable Sandrine Guvamombe of Hatfield Constituency emphasized the importance of reproductive choice: “Relaxing abortion laws will empower women to control their reproductive health, reducing the risk of depression and social anxiety associated with unwanted pregnancies.
Junior Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Honourable Samson Gonzo, emphasized the importance of relaxing abortion laws to reduce stigma and improve self-esteem among women and girls.
“Societal stigma often forces women to seek unsafe abortions out of fear of judgment and rejection. By normalizing discussions about abortion and promoting education, we can break the silence,” she said.
Mrs Virginia Muwanigwa, the Chief Executive Officer of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, emphasized the importance of providing women and girls with unrestricted access to sexual and reproductive health services: “Adequate resources must be allocated to address issues related to backyard abortions.”
Mrs Ekenia Chifamba, the Founder and Executive Director of Shamwari yeMwanasikana, stressed the critical role of safe and legal abortion services in comprehensive healthcare for all women and girls, particularly adolescents.
“The Zimbabwean constitution clearly states that anyone under the age of 18 is a child. Restrictive abortion laws infringe on the rights of these children by forcing them to assume parental responsibilities. We applaud Justice Takuva’s ruling for it will provide access to safe and legal abortion for abused children below the age of 18 and its awaiting confirmation by the Constitutional Court,” she said.
In his ruling, Justice Takuva said Section 81 of the Zimbabwe Constitution provides that every child has a right to be protected from sexual exploitation therefore any pregnancy arising from such sex has to be treated as unlawful intercourse for the purpose of section 2(1) of the Act.
“Subjecting children to pregnancies without right to safe abortion is abuse and torture in violation of Section 53 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe,” he said.
She further highlighted the disproportionate impact of unplanned pregnancies on marginalized communities: “These pregnancies often force young girls into dangerous, unsafe procedures that endanger their lives.”
Edinah Masiyiwa, the Director of Women’s Action Group, highlighted the lower risk of maternal death associated with safe abortions compared to childbirth.
“Teen pregnancies have a devastating impact on young girls’ lives. A study revealed that thousands of girls, including primary school pupils, dropped out of school due to pregnancy in 2023. This highlights the urgent need for comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services for adolescents. Unsafe abortions are a forgotten emergency” because no one wants to talk about it, even though women are dying from complications,” she said.
She highlighted challenges faced by survivors of sexual violence: “Many victims of rape report incidents late, which often precludes the possibility of safe abortion within the legal timeframe. Additionally, bureaucratic hurdles, such as obtaining police reports and court orders, further complicate access to abortion services, especially for women in rural areas.”
She cited the case of Mildred Mapingure, who faced a lengthy legal battle after being denied a safe abortion following a rape: “This case underscores the urgent need for abortion law reform to better protect the rights and health of women and girls in Zimbabwe.”
According to the International Planned Parent – hood Federation (IPPF), almost all abortion related deaths occur in low and middle income countries with the highest occurring in Africa, this include Zimbabwe where abortion is one of the leading contributors to maternal deaths.
