Tag: CAC

Leveraging Private Sector to Reduce Unsafe Abortions

Dr Munyaradzi Murwirwa

Dr Munyaradzi Murwira Due to the restrictive abortion laws in Zimbabwe, both medical and non-medical individuals clandestinely perform most of the abortions. Legal and administrative barriers coupled with stigma among both women and health service providers, and fear of social repercussions as well as risking imprisonment are barriers to access legal abortion in Zimbabwe. The legal termination of pregnancy is performed only in public health facilities at district, provincial and central hospitals, after authorisation from the magistrate. Rather than reduce abortion incidence, the restrictive abortion laws result in women pursuing…

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Key highlights of Zimbabwe’s CAC guidelines and next steps

Memory Kadau

By Memory Pamella Kadau Introduction Zimbabwe’s recently updated and adopted Comprehensive Abortion Care (CAC) Guidelines. However, the legal framework remains the biggest stumbling block to access to safe abortion under the Termination of Pregnancy (ToP) Act. The article focuses on key aspects of the CAC guidelines, such as consent and counselling, medical eligibility for post-abortion care, infection prevention and control strategies, and standard precautions. Additionally, the article suggests advocacy initiatives that are necessary to facilitate the effective implementation of these guidelines, thereby enhancing abortion care and supporting women’s bodily autonomy.…

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