By Sukuoluhle Ndlovu
Masvingo – Young Peoples Network on Sexual Reproductive Health has encouraged conversations addressing abortion, with discussions on the matter still considered a taboo in Zimbabwean society.
The stereotype that having an abortion is a ‘sin’ has resulted in many girls and women dying during unsafe abortions.
A recent virtual engagement on Values Clarification and Attitudes Transformation; Abortion Stigma Reduction; Gender and SRHR and evidence-based reporting organised by Women’s Action Group in collaboration with the Young Journalist Association revealed the need to launch awareness campaigns on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights and tackle issues like abortion.
The media can intervene and fill the information gap on abortion issues and quell myths surrounding the topic.
Many human rights organisations have been fighting and calling for the decriminalization of abortion.
In an interview Anne Mutakaya from Young Peoples Network on Sexual Reproductive Health said people need to be taught on the existing abortion act first for them to have a better understanding.
“Firstly, people need to be aware of the already existing abortion Act TOP and we have to make sure people are informed through social media considering the era we have. There is need to address the loopholes in the existing act, there should statistics posted on illegal abortions being carried out in the country and document other cases we have regarding abortions, this will make people aware that this is happening. People must be informed on Post Abortion Care, they must know such services are given. Abortion is happening whether legal or illegal so issues of abortion must be discussed freely,” said Mutakaya.
Vimbiso Rundare from Young Peoples Network added, “For the decriminalization of abortion, there is need to firstly look at the pros and cons of abortion. Why are people in Zimbabwe against abortion? And then address that by citing the merits of abortion. The already existing framework on abortion is so hectic and there is still more that should be done to improve. There is need to compare countries that have legalised abortion and look at the positive effects of it and from that we can then continue advocating for abortion in Zimbabwe through such recommendations.”
In Zimbabwe 4 out of 10 pregnancies are unintended or unplanned. 25% of unintended pregnancies end in abortion. In 2016 according to the Guttmacher study more than 65, 000 induced abortions occurred in Zimbabwe. Approximately 40% of these abortions result in complications, but only half of these receive treatment for these complications. 1 in 5 women lose their lives due to complications of induced abortions.
