By Memory Pamella Kadau
Maternal health, post-abortion care (PAC), and abortion laws reform are critical issues that require comprehensive and accurate information dissemination to communities. In Zimbabwe, medical professional societies are crucial in informing and educating the public about these topics. In 2022, the World Health Organisation (WHO) introduced new guidelines on abortion to help countries deliver lifesaving care. This article explores the significant role of medical professional associations in Zimbabwe in promoting maternal health, providing post-abortion care, and advocating for abortion laws reform. Further, it proposes how medical professional societies can call for the signing and implementation of the national policies in Zimbabwe.
Maternal health education and outreach
Maternal health education ensures safe pregnancies, reduces maternal mortality rates, and improves overall healthcare outcomes for women. Medical professional societies in Zimbabwe actively contribute to maternal health education through various initiatives. These societies organise workshops, conferences, and public awareness campaigns to disseminate evidence-based information on prenatal care, safe delivery practices, and postpartum care. For example, the Zimbabwe Medical Association (ZIMA) regularly conducts training programs for healthcare professionals to enhance their knowledge and skills in managing maternal health issues. The Zimbabwe Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ZSOG) holds several activities, including annual scientific conferences to promote women’s health conforming with international best practices and to create dedicated practitioners in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Medical professional societies collaborate with government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and international partners to develop educational materials, such as brochures, posters, and audiovisual resources. The societies have also produced educational materials on maternal health, including guidelines for healthcare providers and informational booklets for expectant mothers. These materials are distributed in healthcare facilities, community centres, and schools to reach a wider audience.
Post-Abortion Care Services
In Zimbabwe, PAC services are crucial for addressing the health consequences of unsafe abortions and reducing maternal morbidity and mortality. Medical professional societies play a pivotal role in ensuring the availability and accessibility of PAC services. They work closely with healthcare providers, policymakers, and NGOs to develop national guidelines for PAC and advocate for their implementation.
For instance, the Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) has actively contributed to developing PAC guidelines and nurse training programs. Medical professional societies also conduct workshops and training sessions to enhance healthcare providers’ skills in providing comprehensive PAC services. These initiatives aim to ensure that healthcare professionals are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to offer post-abortion counselling, treatment of complications, and contraception counselling. ZSOG regularly organises PAC training programs to improve the quality of care provided by obstetricians and gynaecologists.
Legal and Policy Reforms
However, the restrictive abortion laws in Zimbabwe pose significant challenges to women’s reproductive rights and access to safe abortion services. Medical professional societies are at the forefront of advocating for abortion law reform to ensure safe and legal access to abortion services. They engage in evidence-based advocacy, policy development, and public awareness campaigns to promote a more progressive approach to abortion. Medical professional societies collaborate with women’s rights organisations, human rights advocates, and legal experts to highlight the negative impact of restrictive abortion laws on women’s health and well-being. They provide expert opinions and recommendations to policymakers and actively participate in drafting new legislation. Medical professional societies also engage in public awareness campaigns to debunk myths and misconceptions surrounding abortion. They use various channels, such as social media, radio, and community forums, to disseminate accurate information about abortion, its legal status, and the available services. These campaigns aim to reduce stigma, promote informed decision-making, and encourage public support for abortion law reform.
In 2022, WHO introduced new guidelines on abortion to help countries deliver lifesaving care. The role of medical professionals in promoting the recent WHO abortion guidelines is crucial in ensuring the provision of safe and comprehensive reproductive healthcare. Medical professionals can actively advocate for these new abortion guidelines by spreading information about their availability, purpose, and significance. They can educate their colleagues, patients, and the general public about the importance of safe and legal abortion services in improving overall sexual and reproductive health outcomes for women. Medical professionals can pursue training and continuing education to stay updated on the latest guidelines, evidence-based practices, and techniques related to abortion care. This will enable them to offer accurate and comprehensive information to patients and provide high-quality abortion services. Medical professionals need to adhere to the WHO abortion guidelines within their clinical practice. This includes providing comprehensive counselling, ensuring the availability of safe and legal abortion methods, following appropriate protocols for medical, medication, and surgical abortion procedures, and providing post-abortion care. Medical professionals are essential in challenging and reducing the stigma surrounding abortion. Providing nonjudgmental and supportive care can create a safe and empathetic environment for patients seeking abortion services. They can also engage in public discussions to dispel myths and misconceptions about abortion and promote access to accurate information.
Lastly, medical professionals can collaborate with organisations, policymakers, and like-minded professionals to advocate for implementing and expanding the new WHO abortion guidelines. This can involve participating in policy discussions, contributing to research and evidence-based studies, and engaging in public awareness campaigns. In summary, medical professionals are crucial in promoting the new WHO abortion guidelines by raising awareness, staying up-to-date, incorporating approaches into practice, destigmatising abortion, and advocating for comprehensive reproductive healthcare. Their involvement and commitment are essential in ensuring the accessibility and quality of safe abortion services worldwide.
