Online Reporter
Robin Muchetu, Health and Gender Editor
TRADITIONAL leaders have reaffirmed their opposition to the amendment of the Termination of Pregnancy Act (1977), stating that they will not be swayed into adopting foreign cultural practices.
They argue that Zimbabweans must take responsibility for their actions and refrain from engaging in risky behaviour that could result in the need for termination.
Senator Chief Fortune Charumbira, who is also the President of the Pan-African Parliament, told the Senate that the amendment will be rejected when it is re-introduced in Parliament.
The Termination of Pregnancy Act, enacted in 1977 under the Rhodesian government and inherited after independence in 1980, permits abortion only under limited circumstances and must be performed by a certified medical practitioner with authorisation from a court order.
According to the Act, a pregnancy may be terminated: (a) where continuing the pregnancy endangers the life of the woman or poses a serious threat of permanent impairment to her physical health;
(b) where there is a serious risk that the child will suffer from a physical or mental defect, leading to permanent and serious disability; or
(c) where there is reasonable possibility that the pregnancy was the result of unlawful intercourse (e.g. incest).
Advocates for the amendment seek to expand the scope of legal abortion to include more circumstances that reflect the challenges faced by women today.
“Firstly, let me say we do not want this issue. We do not want to hear about it, and that is why I stood up. It is very un-African. We may celebrate and adopt different cultures, in Denmark, Canada and elsewhere, they have their own ways, but we cannot copy others. If we do, we will dilute and lose our own culture as black people. I have seen my fellow colleagues in this august House,” said Sen Chief Charumbira.
“When this Bill is brought forward, we will stand and oppose it to ensure it does not pass. We cannot allow abortion. I am aware of international laws and that abortion is permitted in other countries under certain conditions. In those instances, it may be understandable. But for abortion to be broadly accessible, we cannot accept that as African people. People becoming pregnant and aborting just like that, it is unacceptable,” he said passionately.
He emphasised that abortion cannot be associated with African values, even if accepted in other cultures. He vowed that traditional leaders would not support such a law.
“If this Bill is brought to the august House for amendment, we will rise and oppose it. Please think twice before tabling such a Bill, we will be against it. This is an issue that affects our culture. We do not debate such matters lightly; this is not acceptable. In this House, and in this country, we cannot support abortion or the idea of people becoming pregnant and then aborting whenever they choose. As a Chief, why should I support such things? I can tell you that 18 Chiefs will oppose this, and others will join us,” he declared.
Senator Rebecca Fanuel, from Matabeleland North Province also voiced her opposition. She referenced the abolition of the death penalty and cautioned against reintroducing a policy that, in her view, similarly promotes death under the guise of women’s rights.
“There was a motion on the death penalty, and people rejoiced when we rejected it. So, if we support this motion, it means we are endorsing death and also encouraging prostitution as Honourable Senators. Supporting this motion means we are condemning our children to death. I believe we must stand for the nation. I am not forcing anyone, but we, as women, will not support this,” she said.
While abortion is currently permissible under the three aforementioned conditions, advocates for reform argue that the Act is outdated and fails to address the realities facing women today.
They call for broader provisions that would allow termination under additional circumstances.
Executive Director of Women’s Action Group, Mrs Edinah Masiyiwa, stated that the 1977 law needs amendment to allow for more legal options for termination.
She noted that the Act has been in place for over 40 years and remains poorly understood. Many Zimbabweans are unaware that abortion is legal in some circumstances and assume it is entirely prohibited.
Mrs Masiyiwa stressed the need for public education campaigns, especially in rural communities, to raise awareness about the law and how women can access legal terminations, particularly in cases of abuse, unwanted pregnancies, or where the mother’s health is at risk.
— @NyembeziMu
