Abortion in Zimbabwe

Overview of abortion laws and practices in Zimbabwe

Abortion in Zimbabwe is a complex and sensitive issue, influenced by legal, cultural, and socio-economic factors. The legal framework governing abortion in Zimbabwe is primarily derived from the Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1977, which permits abortion under specific circumstances. This article explores the legal, social, and health aspects of abortion in Zimbabwe.

Legal Framework

The Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1977 is the principal legislation regulating abortion in Zimbabwe. Under this law, abortion is permitted only under the following conditions:

• When the pregnancy endangers the life of the woman or poses a serious threat to her physical health.
• When there is a serious risk that the child would suffer from a physical or mental defect that would result in severe disability.
• When the pregnancy is a result of unlawful intercourse, which includes rape, incest, or sexual intercourse with a mentally handicapped woman.

The law requires that the abortion be performed in a designated institution and approved by a panel of medical practitioners.

Social and Cultural Context

Abortion remains a contentious issue in Zimbabwe, with strong cultural and religious influences shaping public opinion. Many communities in Zimbabwe hold conservative views on abortion, often viewing it as morally unacceptable. This cultural backdrop can create barriers for women seeking legal abortions, as they may face stigma and discrimination.

Health Implications

The restrictive nature of the abortion law in Zimbabwe has led to a significant number of unsafe abortions. Women who cannot access legal abortions may resort to unsafe methods, which pose serious health risks, including infection, hemorrhage, and even death. The World Health Organization has highlighted the need for improved access to safe abortion services to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity.

Efforts for Reform

There have been calls from various human rights organizations and health advocates to reform the abortion laws in Zimbabwe. These groups argue for more comprehensive reproductive health services and greater access to safe and legal abortions. However, legislative change has been slow, and the issue remains a topic of national debate.

Also see

• Reproductive rights in Zimbabwe
• Maternal health in Zimbabwe
• Women's rights in Zimbabwe
• Public health in Zimbabwe

References

• World Health Organization. "Unsafe Abortion: Global and Regional Estimates of the Incidence of Unsafe Abortion and Associated Mortality in 2008." Geneva: WHO, 2011.
• Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency. "Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey 2015." Harare: ZIMSTAT, 2016.