The ManicaPost
Post Reporter
CASES of illegal abortions have become a major public health concern and threat to women and young girls as the scourge is on the increase in Manicaland, a local organisation has said.
This follows reports that backyard abortions have become rife in the province, with Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association (ZWLA) calling for an awareness drive to sensitise communities on the dangers associated with the vice.
ZWLA legal officer, Ms Yeukai Chiranga, said it is important to help people understand the provisions of the Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1977.
In Zimbabwe, abortion – which is defined as deliberate termination of pregnancy – is illegal and only allowed for rape victims on the grounds that intercourse was unlawful like in cases of rape or sexual violence.
Victims of incest are also eligible for abortion, while in circumstances where the pregnancy poses serious health complications to the mother it is allowed.
“Cases of illegal abortion are becoming rampant by the day and we discourage this. Some women resort to backyard and illegal abortions when they find themselves pregnant and are not prepared to give birth for one reason or the other.
“Such practices are dangerous because complications like excessive bleeding, infections and even death may arise due to unsafe abortion procedure. This contributes to maternal mortality,” said Ms Chiranga.
