MP to revive abortion Bill - Nation Online

Source: The Nation Online
Author: Lloyd Chitsulo

Chiradzulu West legislator Mathews Ngwale (Democratic Progressive Party) has pledged to resuscitate the contentious Termination of Pregnancy Bill and advocate for its subsequent passing in Parliament.

Discussions on the Bill were blocked by legislators in 2021 amid strong opposition from various stakeholders, including the clergy.

If passed into law, the Bill would, among others, allow women to access abortion whenever they feel like not keeping the pregnancy.

Speaking in an interview on the sidelines of a meeting with women and youth groups from Traditional Authority Chitera in Chiradzulu District on Wednesday, Ngwale expressed optimism that the Bill will receive support from across the political divide.

"I am energised because this time around it's the people that are calling for a motion of the Bill to be moved in Parliament. The people have understood the importance of changing the laws, and in essence, the impact that unsafe abortions have on our women and communities," he said.

Ngwale, who was set to table the Bill when the efforts were frustrated, argued that the issue of pregnancy termination has to do with human rights in the context that girls and women should not be forced to keep a pregnancy when they do not want to.

He said the current scenario only favours girls and women from rich families who can easily procure safe abortion, though illegally, while those from poor backgrounds use unconventional methods which result in numerous health complications, including death.

In a separate interview, Nelia Magwedwe, one of the women who took part in the meeting, said ensuring the laws are changed will ensure the lives of women are protected and give them freedom as regards deciding on terminating pregnancy.

The current abortion laws only permit termination when it is necessary to save a woman's life. If the abortion laws are changed, it means girls and women will be procuring abortion in cases of incest, rape, or when the pregnancy endangers the physical or mental health of the girl or woman.

The meeting was organised by the Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights Alliance.