Abortion is not illegal but restricted in Zimbabwe
By Memory Pamella Kadau Zimbabwe’s Termination of Pregnancy Act (TOP) provides a legal framework on when and how can women and girls access safe abortion services. The Act provides only three grounds under which pregnancy can be lawfully terminated in the country. It further provides that pregnancies can only be terminated by a registered medical
Read MoreAccess to abortion is critical for women socio-economic growth
By Memory Pamela Kadau The economy is often described as consisting of firms, government and households. Economic activities of households are determined by income, savings and what they can spend on such basics as health, food, education and clothing, socials amongst other recurrent needs of households. Of critical importance for the economic balance of the
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Making the schools’ sanitary wear budget work for girls
In 2020 there was a landmark development in the menstrual health management space, following the signing of the Education Amendment Act into law by President Mnangagwa. We celebrated Section 4(1a) of the Act which requires the State to “ensure the provision of sanitary wear and other menstrual health facilities to girls in all schools to
Read MoreGoing Beyond The Legal Framework On Abortion To Save Lives of Women and Girls
By Edinah Masiyiwa Nokutenda Hwaramba was a 15-year-old girl who recently died at a shrine whilst giving birth. Her life, like that of other pregnant girls giving birth in shrines, was cut short for preventable causes and this angers me so much. One of the reasons given for why girls like Nokutenda did not deliver
Read MoreAll You Need To Know About Breast Cancer
By Marjory Haruwandwi Bayayi: Bachelor Of Science In Nursing Science Student at University Of Zimbabwe Breast cancer is the uncontrolled proliferation (increase) of cells and it comes in various forms. This is determined by the location of cancer in the breast. A breast is made of three main parts namely the lobules, ducts, and connective
Read MoreValues clarification workshops to improve abortion knowledge and attitudes: Post assessment
By Mufaro Musiyazviriyo The Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1977 states that it is illegal to terminate a pregnancy unless it has been sanctioned by Government authorities which includes, the court and state hospitals agreeing that the pregnancy in question was as a result of unlawful intercourse (rape/incest). The Act also allows for termination of
Read MoreAbortion conversation must recognize women’s bodily autonomy and integrity
By Memory Pamella Kadau The previous installments touched on the legal regime regulating abortion in Zimbabwe having previously established that abortion doesn’t pose a moral dilemma. If anything, abortion services are part of the basic health needs for tens of thousands of women each year in Zimbabwe. That the law proscribes safe abortion by choice,
Read MoreUnsafe Abortion – The Hidden Health Crisis
By Dr M Murwira In the early years of my medical career, it was always exciting to start a new role in the various medical specialties at a Central Hospital. As such, I was looking forward to the experience of working in the Obstetrics and Gynecology department. However, my first Gynecology department night shift was
Read MoreAs International Safe Abortion Day Draws Closer, Its Time To Reflect on progress towards access to safe abortion for women and girls
The 28th of September is International Safe Abortion Day, and it has two themes: “Diverse Actions, Different Places, One Demand: Access to Safe and Legal Abortion Now” and “Abortion in Uncertain Times.” By Edinah Masiyiwa These themes speak to me as an advocate for sexual and reproductive health and rights, and they give me energy
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