Tag: unsafe abortion

Frontline Warriors: The Women Battling Zimbabwe’s Unsafe Abortion Crisis

Michael Gwarisa

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 to illegal abortions in Zimbabwe include stigma and cultural beliefs, unwanted and unintended pregnancies, economic hardship, limited access to sexual and reproductive health services, rape and incest cases, fear of legal consequences, and pressure from…

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Zimbabwean Legislators Lay Groundwork for Private Member’s Bill on Abortion

Michael Gwarisa

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 by a legislator who is not part of the executive (government or cabinet). In Zimbabwe, this means a Member of Parliament (MP) who is not a minister or deputy minister can introduce a bill to…

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Challenging Online Post-Abortion Stigma in Zimbabwe: Advocating for Compassion

Memory Kadau

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, and pervasive stigma, posing significant hurdles for those seeking safe and reproductive healthcare. The social media space in Zimbabwe has become toxic toward young girls and women who undergo abortions. This editorial delves into the…

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The Burden of Unsafe Abortions among Adolescent Girls

Dr Munyaradzi Murwirwa

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 of community, health care providers, financial constraints and lack of information. Key sexual reproductive health issues affecting youths include among others, STIs/HIV & AIDS, teenage pregnancies, unintended pregnancies, drug and substance abuse, and sexual gender…

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The Treble Tragedy in Women’s Health: Unmet Need for FP – Unwanted Pregnancy – Unsafe Abortion

Dr Munyaradzi Murwirwa

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 are – Unmet Need for Family Planning – Unwanted Pregnancy – Unsafe Abortion. The Primary Health Care (PHC) concept coupled with the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) approach are opportunities to ensure universal access to SRH&R…

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Every 23 Minutes, A Woman/Girl Dies F Unsafe Abortion- MSF

Michael Gwarisa

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 a woman or girl dies after every 23 minutes from an unsafe abortion. Although the past two decades have seen major decreases in most leading causes of maternal deaths worldwide, one glaring exception remains: unsafe…

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