Press Release: Mysterious Grave in Epworth Revealed as National Intervention for Public Health Crisis
HARARE, ZIMBABWE – [24 April, 2026] A striking public installation of graves that appeared overnight in Epworth sparking widespread curiosity, public speculation, and viral social media debate has been revealed as a deliberate national intervention to spotlight Zimbabwe’s escalating public health crisis of unsafe abortion. The installation marks the launch of “In the Shadows of Epworth,” a
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The Cost of Inaction: Urgent Attention to Abortion Law in Zimbabwe
By Mildred Mushunje (PhD) & Dean Mutata (BSc, MSc) Background Zimbabwe’s health crisis is often framed in terms of economic decline or health financing gaps. Yet there is another crisis, silent, gendered, and entirely preventable, rooted in abortion policy inaction. Trapped between inherited colonial law, religious anxiety, and political discomfort and misinformed moralistic judgemental attitudes,
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Why media narratives matter for safe abortion and reproductive justice in Zimbabwe
By Memory Pamella Kadau “Abortion kills.”“Abortion is illegal.”“Abortion is a sin.”“Baby Dumped in Bush as Illegal Abortions Rise.”“Zimbabwe: Our Ugly Secret – Abortion, Illegal but Thriving.”“How Can Zimbabwe Allow Abortion When It Has Just Abolished the Death Penalty?”“Zimbabwe: Historic Victory for Reproductive Justice – High Court Ruling.”“New Abortion Guidelines Expand Choice in Zimbabwe.” These are
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Why Reforming the Termination of Pregnancy Act Can No Longer Wait
By Edinah Masiyiwa I have been closely following recent developments on access to safe abortion for women and girls in Zimbabwe. As I reflect on the Women’s Action Group’s (WAG) campaign on safe abortion in the early 1990s, I am encouraged by how far the country has come on this issue. When WAG advocated for
Read MoreFrontline Warriors: The Women Battling Zimbabwe’s Unsafe Abortion Crisis
By Michael Gwarisa Zimbabwe records an estimated 70,000 illegal abortions annually, primarily due to restrictive abortion laws. Currently, abortion is only legal under limited circumstances, such as when the pregnancy endangers the mother’s life, results from rape or incest, or involves severe fetal impairment. Most women do not qualify under these conditions. Other factors contributing
Read MoreZimbabwean Legislators Lay Groundwork for Private Member’s Bill on Abortion
By Michael Gwarisa Members of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health have begun preparations for a Private Member’s Bill seeking amendments to the Termination of Pregnancy Act (ToP). The proposed changes aim to broaden the legal grounds for abortion, allowing for greater access under specific circumstances. A Private Member’s Bill is a proposed law introduced
Read MoreChallenging Online Post-Abortion Stigma in Zimbabwe: Advocating for Compassion
By Memory Pamella Kadau Introduction The discourse surrounding abortion remains a contentious and divisive topic worldwide, and Zimbabwe is no exception to the complexities that surround it. Recognising that the decision to undergo an abortion is deeply personal and multifaceted, individuals navigate this choice for various reasons. The subject is often marred by misinformation, disinformation,
Read MoreThe Burden of Unsafe Abortions among Adolescent Girls
By Dr Munyaradzi Murwira Introduction Adolescents are a diverse group; their sexual and reproductive health needs and ability to meet those needs vary based on their life circumstances, including marital status and urban or rural residence. Adolescents often face a multitude of challenges in obtaining sexual and reproductive health services, including social stigma, judgmental attitudes
Read MoreThe Treble Tragedy in Women’s Health: Unmet Need for FP – Unwanted Pregnancy – Unsafe Abortion
Dr Munyaradzi Murwira Introduction Women and girls in developing countries face multiple challenges in accessing affordable, quality and comprehensive sexual reproductive health and rights (SRH&R) services. This article explores three key issues that affect women and girls sexual reproductive health outcomes, morbidity and mortality. The “Treble Tragedy” in women’s health, particularly in the developing world
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Every 23 Minutes, A Woman/Girl Dies F Unsafe Abortion- MSF
UNSAFE abortions remain one of the leading causes of maternal deaths the world over, with majority of the deaths being reported in the developing countries, the Medicines Sans Frontiers (MSF) has warned. By Michael Gwarisa According to the MSF, at least 7 million women are hospitalized every year due to complications from unsafe abortions whole
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